Grace Hospice Hosts Celebration of Life

Tulsa, OK-Grace Hospice of Oklahoma, hosted a celebration of life at the Grace Hospice Memorial Service, Saturday, May 17th at 4:00PM at the Freeman Harris Cathedral Chapel located at 3333 East 41st Street in Tulsa, OK. This twice-yearly public event celebrates the lives of those who have recently passed on. Over 100 people attended the memorial service including patients families, caregivers, doctors and Grace Hospice staff.

Tulsa, OK-Grace Hospice of Oklahoma, hosted a celebration of life at the Grace Hospice Memorial Service, Saturday, May 17th at 4:00PM at the Freeman Harris Cathedral Chapel located at 3333 East 41st Street in Tulsa, OK. This twice-yearly public event celebrates the lives of those who have recently passed on. Over 100 people attended the memorial service including patients families, caregivers, doctors and Grace Hospice staff.

The service began with a welcome from executive director, Otis Eversole. The song, On Eagles Wings" was performed and a bible scripture and poem was read. Chris King, Grace Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, delivered an inspirational message.

Most touching was the Remembrance Tree" ceremony. Members of the Grace Hospice staff walked down the center aisle of the auditorium carrying candles and a card (listed by month) with each patients name. As Pamela Noe, Director of Nursing read each patients name, the candles were arranged on a table in a circle of life" and the cards were hung on the Remembrance Tree. A promise was given to return the tree to the Grace Hospice offices and to light a candle in remembrance of their patients each time the staff assembles for a meeting.

The indoor portion of the service closed with a poem and closing song, Wind Beneath My Wings". Participants were given a balloon and invited outside for a very special balloon release. After a short prayer by Suzanne Davis, Grace Hospice Spiritual Support Chaplain, balloons were sent into the sky symbolizing the release of grief and celebration of life.

Each person was also given a rosemary scented candle and memorial packet to take home. The contents of the packet may be scattered in a moment of quiet reflection to remember the shared love, joy and laughter of their loved one and the light from the candle is meant to warm their heart and comfort their soul.

For more information about Grace Hospice or future Grace Hospice Memorial Services, please contact Mr. Chris King at (918) 744-7223.