Sometimes hospice care and the loss of loved ones connect us in unexpected and healing ways. Each year, hundreds of friends and family members gather for Angela Hospice’s Walk of Remembrance to celebrate and honor the lives of those they have loved and lost. The Walk offers an opportunity for those who are grieving to walk together in solidarity as part of their healing journey. Sue Edwards shares her story about why she attends the Walk of Remembrance each year.
My “Angela Hospice Story” begins around December, 2015. My mom lived with us for 11 years before she got terminally ill at that time. Her wishes were to pass at home, and I was introduced to Angela Hospice. My mom passed away January 16, 2016, and I cannot describe the level of grief I was feeling. Angela was wonderful to me and my family. They reached out to check on me for several months after. This was especially nice because after the funeral, most people go home and back to their lives. Meanwhile, I felt lost and heartbroken.
By Midsummer of 2016, it became clear that Tom, my best friend Cindy’s husband, was also terminal and not going to make it. Angela Hospice stepped in to help with his care as well. He passed shortly after, and Angela Hospice gave them the same care they had shown to me when I lost my mom.
Around the same time, I saw a post on Facebook about a “Walk of Remembrance” and it had my attention immediately. After having such a heavy heart for so many months, it felt good to have something positive and uplifting to look forward to.
I spoke with my best friend Cindy and her boys (all in the picture with me), and we decided to do the walk as a way to heal our hearts during this unfamiliar grief path that we found ourselves on.
Our first walk was in 2016 and we’ve walked every year since. 2026 will be our 11th walk. We even walked at Garden City Park during the Covid year when it was advised not to gather and walk on the grounds. Most years we have others walk with us like my sister, Cheryl, and other friends.
I still miss my mom every single day, but this walk is very therapeutic and knowing that I’m walking with people whose heart is as heavy as mine really helps to ease the grief. We really do look forward to it every year.
Thank you again for reaching out,
Sue Edwards
See photos from last year’s Walk of Remembrance on our Facebook page below.
For info on this year’s Walk of Remembrance, and to register, visit angelahospice.org/walk.
