The Christmas Season is a time when friends and families who have suffered the loss of a loved one feel their absence so much more. Expressing the memory of these loved ones in a gentle manner is a comfort for many, and the Memory Tree in the Barriere Library may give them that opportunity.
Also sometimes called the ‘Angel Tree’, the Memory Tree at the Library is already being decorated with white paper angel ornaments.
Three years ago Bonny Cruzelle/ Myram and Drake Smith introduced the idea, and ever since this small memorial tree has given area residents an opportunity to place an angel with that special person’s name written on it, or a bit of poetry to remember a loved one, or whatever one wishes to write to remember those who have a place in their memories. Angels from past years are kept together in ribbon tied boxes, and each year placed under the tree.
Those who visit the tree are invited to drop a donation in a collection container, and anyone, of any age, can place an angel on the tree; they are already waiting there for that special message to be written. All funds collected from the Memory Tree go to the Barriere Hospice Society.
The tree if filled with the names of loved ones, and each year visitors stand and read the names remembered there; they may nod their heads and smile as they notice the names of those familiar to them.
A small gesture, the expressions of loving memories, a moment to let those who left us be lovingly remembered, by placing a paper angel on the Memory Tree.