Bonding over grief

Joyce Ochsner lost her mother to illness right before the holidays, but Hospice of Chattanooga brought her together with others going through her struggle for a memorial service Sunday at Chattanooga First Baptist Church.

“It was like lifting them up to Heaven,” Mrs. Ochsner said. “It made me realize that the organization of hospice is there for the community and holding their arms out to help us grieve together.”

Hospice provides comprehensive medical care to terminally ill patients and support for affected families. The Chattanooga branch recently hired CEO Rev. L. Clark Taylor Jr., who delivered a welcome address focused on the healing power of memories and fellowship.

“You don’t feel so lonely when you’re remembering and you see others doing the same thing,” Mr. Taylor said. “It’s a lot of comfort and connecting with other people who have been in a similar situation.”

Soothing music filled the air after Mr. Taylor’s remarks, culminating in a candlelight vigil. Emotions flowed when three Hospice chaplains read the names of the 951 Hospice patients who died between June 1 and Nov. 30 last year.

The majority of survivors came to honor the memory of one person, but hundreds filled the pews and read the entire list as names were spoken aloud.

“I can’t put it into words having each person’s name announced,” said Mrs. Ochsner. “It meant a lot to me, and I can’t say enough of what Hospice means in my heart. They have done so much for me and my family.”

Hospice representatives served snacks at a reception following the service. As he waited in line, Rhea Black reflected on moving forward after his wife passed away last October.

“I try to look at the bright spots,” Mr. Black said. “The enjoyment we had together, the happy times together, and try not to dwell so much on the grief because we know we’ve got to go on with our lives. We just thank God for the times that we had together.”