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This is a special online space where the names of your loved one(s) will shine throughout the holidays accompanied by music by our Certified Music Therapist, Stefana Dadas. If you would like to make a gift and create an angel simply do so online by January 1. If you would like to create an angel(s) but do not wish to make a donation please email Samantha Beach in our Foundation at samantha.beach@vna.health. In your email please provide your name and address along with your angel names.

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For over fifteen years,

VNA Health has held its annual ANGELS AMONG US remembrance service during the holidays. This year, it is especially profound that we gather together as a community. We say the names of those who have died and who live in our memory. We light candles in their honor. We acknowledge the humanness of our unique relationships — the possible hurts as well as the joys — and the range of emotions (sorrow, gratitude, anger, regret, anxiety, disbelief and many others) that may be present. We weep — and we smile — knowing our beloved friends and family who have died are with us still, in our hearts. We refresh our souls with heartfelt stories and music. Most of all, we know we are not alone, and we feel the strength and solidarity of our beloved community.

This year, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted our lives and how our community can gather. The VNA Health Bereavement team has been acutely aware of the collective grief, pain and stress the pandemic has caused. We have felt the worry, fear and uncertainty in ourselves as well as in the many people we serve. But we are still a community, and we are all in this together.

Since we cannot light candles together this year, year we offer you candle ornaments (located in a special centerfold of our Fall 2020 Live Well magazine) that you may make at home. Simply tear out the ornaments, write the name of your loved one, and a keepsake message, if you wish. Use a paperclip as an ornament hook, and hang your paper candle from a tree, window or bulletin board.  If you did not receive a copy of the magazine and would like to do so, please email marketing@vna.health.

The need for bereavement care and support is greatest throughout the holiday season, as memories and traditions can bring up grief and loss. We invite you to participate in these additional opportunities to help during these difficult times.

ESPAÑOL
Como no podemos encender las velas juntos este año, les ofrecemos adornos de velas que pueden hacer en casa. Simplemente corte los adornos (ubicados en la página central especial de nuestra Revista Live Well de Otoño de 2020), escriba el nombre de su ser querido(s) y un mensaje de recuerdo, si lo desea. Use un clip de papel como un gancho de adorno y cuelgue su vela de papel de un árbol, ventana o tablero de anuncios. Una consejera bilingüe está disponible para proveer consejeria del duelo sin costo en español. Llame a Mara Petrick, LCSW al (805) 690-6296 o envíe un correo electrónico a mara.petrick@vna.health.

Attend one of our free Coping with the Holidays online support workshops in December.
To register for a workshop, please call (805) 308-9602 or email bereavement@vna.health.

Our Bereavement team will continue to support you with telehealth grief counseling, advice, and other resources, free of charge and open to the community. Please know that we are here for you and that we understand the need to grieve and feel less alone. From our hearts to yours, we send strength and peace.

Click here to view online resources for grief and loss.