Candlelight blessing-overdose awareness

by Kerry J. Bickford

August 23, 2021

We decided to do something a little different for our August 18th support group meeting. We invited Hospice Chaplain Chuch Micchiche to do a closing blessing in the last 1/2 hour in honor of all our loved ones lost to overdose and upcoming Overdose Awareness Day (8-31-21). Chuck conducted this interactive exercise to HAGIOS - Songs of Praise -- and participants lit candles - donated by Savage Light - in their loved one's memory which they then took home with them. The sun had just set and the lighting was absolutely perfect for this outdoor circle - and we are thinking this could become a tradition. (See photos of candles on table and circle of light)

Kerry J. Bickford

VOICES Editor

Kerry Bickford is a peer grief specialist for SADOD/The Sun Will Rise and the founding editor of VOICES newsletter. She facilitates four groups monthly: two virtual groups for grandparents who have lost an adult child or grandchild to SUD and two in-person groups for those 18 and over—Nathan's Circle and Bravehearts in Falmouth.