In an effort to promote the grieving process of losing a loved one, the Rev. Jody Lediard of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Virginia City is hosting a Celebration of Life at 12:45 p.m. today at the Storey County Senior Center, corner of E and Mill streets.
Lunch is offered at noon, the Celebration of Life and a balloon release will be conducted after lunch.
"It's important to celebrate the lives of people we've lost, even acquaintances," Lediard said.
"It's important to be able to say goodbye, and for us to know they're remembered and thought about and cared about."
According to Kathryn Douglass, senior center director, the center has lost several members this year due to death and relocation (an Alzheimer's patient).
"We welcome those who choose to participate to bring photos and mementos of the person," Douglass said.
"We've had a lot of losses in Virginia City this year. Quite a number of elderly. Those at the center have lost a lot of friends. I hope they feel this support. We've had feelings of loss and don't know what to do about it. This is a way for us to cope with our sadness."
Lediard said they will also celebrate All Saints and All Souls days, which are today and Wednesday, respectively.
"In the Episcopal church, we talk about being saints of God. We're all special to God and we're all celebrated," she said.
"Even though we might not think someone is a saint, they're special to God. We will celebrate all those who've passed, whomever it is the person might be thinking of."
Lediard will also lead a Tears and Rainbows Grief Support Group from 1-2:30 p.m. on Fridays, beginning this week.
"This is for people who are grieving for those they have lost, and it can be a family member or anybody they were close to," Lediard said. "It doesn't need to be a spouse, mother, father, aunt, uncle or child.
"And it's a community event. We're going to use the book 'Understanding Grace.' We'll also have time for open reflection. I hope through all these things people can come and feel support in a safe place."
The center will host a Thanksgiving feast at 2 p.m. Thanksgiving day. An RSVP is requested. The center will be closed Nov. 25.
n Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.
Remembering Friends
WHAT: Celebration of Life
WHEN: 12:45 p.m. today
WHERE: Storey County Senior Center, corner of E and Mills streets, Virginia City
COST: Free
CALL: 847-0957
Support Group
WHAT: Tears and Rainbows Grief Support Group
WHEN: 1-2:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Storey County Senior Center
COST: Free
CALL: 847-0957
