Brevity can be impactful.  Last night the Faribault Area Hospice Program's 29th annual "Light Up a Life" tree lighting event was shortened outdoors, but it didn't appear to dampen the spirit of those in attendance.  District One Hospital CEO Stephen Pribyl shared a personal story of his experience with the local Hospice just a year ago.  Pribyl talked about the discussion with Hospice professionals about the care they would provide for his 90 year old Father and said he would always be grateful for the professionalism and compassion the Hospice volunteers showed during his care until he passed in the wee hours of New Year's Eve morning.  Hospice Chaplain Reverend Craig Breimhorst shared the invocation noting in the many years he had been involved there have been many cold nights and the bright moon was a reminder of those who have gone before us.  Interim Hospice Leader Carmen Breyer shared a poem written by District One employee Curt Jorgenson.  Jorgenson has written a poem each year for several years now in memory of his mom.  The outdoor portion of the event was about 8 minutes long and I have to say I was very cold setting up for the broadcast on KDHL, but I didn't feel really cold while Pribyl, Breimhorst and Breyer were speaking.  Following the speaking, the bells were tolled and the lights flipped on the Hospice tree which will remain lit through the New Year.  Everyone then scurried inside the hospital to listen to the Beau Chant Choir sing a few Christmas songs and share a story or two over hot apple cider and a cookie or two. The tree lighting event is always brief, but was cut in about half for the outdoor portion.  Nobody seemed to mind and I saw a lot of smiles inside listening to the awesome sounds of Beau Chant.  A mixture of voices from all over the region.  Choir members hail from the Twin Cities, Northfield, Kenyon and Owatonna in addition to Faribault.  We would like to thank these businesses for making our broadcast possible and if you enjoyed the broadcast please support them with your patronage so we can do it again next year.  They included Faribault Senior Living, Syngenta Seeds Research Station in Stanton, Tom's Lock N' Key of Faribault, Craig Keller Insurance Agency of Nerstrand, 1st United Bank of Faribault and North Ambulance of Faribault.  This event for me puts the Holidays in their proper perspective.  It's all about the love of we share with those we have been gifted to have in our lives.  I always have been moved by this event, but even more since the passing of both my parents.  They were not in Hospice, but it doesn't matter.  How can you not be in favor of a service that allows people to pass with dignity and lifts the burden of care from family members who can savor their moments with loved ones even more.  You can still give to the Hospice program through the end of the year.

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