As the holidays approach, we are reminded of the importance of caring for each other, especially this time of the year, when our pain of loss can seem the most unbearable. At The Compassionate Friends, we offer support and comfort throughout the year, but we especially understand the importance during this time of year. One of our most beloved programs, our Worldwide Candle Lighting, is being offered this weekend.
If you’re able to, we’d love to have you join The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting this Sunday, December 10, 2023. Our annual candle lighting unites people across the globe to honor the memories of our sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren who left us too soon. At 7:00 p.m. local time, candles will be lit to create a 24-hour wave of light.
This year marks the 27th annual Worldwide Candle Lighting acknowledging National Children’s Memorial Day. Our Candle Lighting is TCF’s gift to the bereavement community to pay tribute to the lives and memories of these special and always-loved children. Please join The Compassionate Friends in creating a virtual 24-hour wave of light in honor of all our children.
Who will you be lighting a candle in memory of?
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We’ll be lighting our candle in memory of Ashley Elizabeth Holliday (Veach), so needlessly taken from us by a driver who felt his cell phone was more worthy of his attention than the road ahead of him and the lives of our only child and our grandson.
Others have said the passage of time makes all this pain and immense grief gradually fade… but so far, we’ve not found this to be true. Our beautiful daughter, you are terribly missed and cried for as much today as you were that night in 2019 when we received that most horrid of phone calls which no parent should ever have to deal with. Your little boy is growing up into a handsome young man, but he misses you and is lost without you. Sadly, he has no support at home, at least not what I’m certain you would have expected of the man you believed you married. Our hearts break daily as a reminder not just of your being gone, but of the ripple effect this has in his young life.
We rejoice in knowing you are with your Savior… and look forward with full and joyous hearts to that glorious day when we are reunited once more as a family. All our love, Mom & Dad.
So sorry for your loss. Why are you saying “lives of our only child and our grandson” and than are saying that he misses his mom.
I will be lighting a candle along with my family and friends for Chelsea who was tragically killed in an automobile accident on 12/9/19. She will be forever missed by many especially me and her beautiful son who was only a year and a half old at the time.
I will light a candle for little Daniel who we lost in 2006. We miss him so much.
I will light a candle for little Daniel who we lost in 2006. We miss him so much. He would be turning 21 in 2024 but in our hearts he is forever 2 1/2.
I will be lighting a candle for my baby boy Joe James Amaya Jr aka Jimmy forever 8. I lost my baby boy in 2011. It is true it gets harder before it gets easier. It is a forever hurt and missing part of me. I started to do the candle lighting in 2012 when I was browsing and came across it. I has helped me tremendously getting through the holidays without him. I feel that honoring his memory, we are starting the season off with keep them part of the season. I have done it and opened up my home to anyone that would like to join. I have them also bring pictures of their loved ones. I love you baby and mommy keeps your memory alive always. Not a day goes by that your not thought of. I will continue until I take my last breathe. I love you lil man always and forever. Always mommy
I light this candle in memory of my only child, my son, Joshua Brandon Wilcox, who died as the result of a fatal automobile accident on September 7, 2008 at age 31. His daughter, Ryleigh was only 8 when she lost her daddy. She is why I was able to keep going as she needed me and I needed her. She is now 23 and graduates from Texas Women’s University on December 16. Her father would be there as I will be.
I lit candles this evening for my nephew Malcolm. Malcolm was a kind young man taken from us when he was hit by a truck on his bicycle. He is desperately missed by his father, Jack, his mother, Katey, and his twin sister, Gigi.
Many prayers and much love to you Malcolm. You will live forever in our hearts.
I will be lighting a candle for my son, Timmy forever 25. I will also be lighting a candle for my 3 nephews Troy, Nathan and Ryan gone to soon. My thoughts, prayers and light are with all the children that have gone before us. ” Save A Place For Me” Never forgotten and always missed and loved.
My son, Ricky, who left us (at age 24) with a gigantic hole in our hearts in 2008. Recently, our neighbors experienced a grievious tragedy and lost a toddler. I’ve shared Compassionate Friends as a resource for them. This year, I’ll be thinking of little Shire as well as my beloved son.
I am lighting my 🕯️,in loving memory,of my beautiful son,Ryan. Thanks for letting me share in this,most special event . Ryan died about 2 years ago,from a fatal overdose. He was very smart,handsome,and gave it,his all,to overcome his Opioid addiction. He brought my very beautiful granddaughter,Chloe,into this world.
For my beloved son Jasper gone at the age of 24. Miss you more than words can say. Fly high my son love always..Mom..Dad…Juju and Mia ❤️
I will be lighting three candles: The first is for my older son Joseph Charles, forever 23, and the second for my younger son James Alexander, forever 33. The thrid is for my daughter-in-law, Sara Rose, forever 23. This grief journey began in October 2006 and losing my surviving son in 2021, well, it is what it is. Hard to believe it is 17 years passed, but also only two. Every single day I think of my boys, both lost to substance abuse. Always remembered and loved.
I will be lighting a candle in memory of my son Remy Okonkwo who tragically died March 31, 2007.
I will be lighting a candle for my beloved son, Evan Bennett Roberts who died on April 2, 2021. He was good and kind and a wonderful son. Evan, I’ll love you forever.
There are some people and things in life that are so pure and special that it’s hard to even describe how much they mean to you. The magic they possess is so undeniable and potent. Everyone that is lucky enough to be in their orbit feels it. That was my Michael. You were so generous with your love, loyalty and laughter. I miss you every day.
I will be lighting a candle in Memory of my Daughter DeAndria Anderson and my Niece Angela Joseph who lost their lives in an automobile accident in 2008. Our family has not been the same since loosing you two. We do our best to hold onto the memories you left us with. Our holidays are different but we try to move on as much as possibly. Forever 19 and 24. RIP
We will light candles in loving memory of our Son David & Grandson Jackson David. They both died in their early 20s – unexpectedly & way too soon. We’ll love & miss them forever & look forward to Heavenly Hugs one fine day!
I will be lighting a candle for my daughter, Erica who died unexpectedly after a tragic error during a catheter procedure.
My beautiful precious Erica died January 29, 2012 2 months after turning 29. I will also be lighting a candle for my cousin & his wife’s beautiful precious daughter, Kyra who died tragically as a pedestrian hit by a vehicle this year 2023 on December 1st just one month after her 22nd birthday. Another candle will be lite for another cousin’s beautiful hurting daughter, Denise who died horribly from an addiction overdose on Feb. 1st 2020 a young adult. We will always cherish all the good & special memories…
wishing so deeply that their lives would not have been so short.
Our undying & unconditional love for all our girls will never die.
I pray for strength for all the parents as this is the most difficult intense pain of their lives.
I will be lighting a candle for my beloved son, Matthew Sink, who was tragically killed on October 9th, 2023. His light will shine forever in my broken heart.
I will be lighting a candle for my only son a pride, Christian Jose, who departed this world in 2011 at the age of 19 in a car accident after attending a charity event. I will also love you and miss having you with me!
We will be lighting our candle in memory of our daughter, sister & aunt. Angela Marie forever 24. I miss you every day
Our daughter, Elizabeth, who passed from our arms to the arms of God at the age of four and for our nephew/niece whom we did not get to hold.
I will be lighting a candle for my son David C. Roller who tragically died May 2, 2015 in a vehicle crash. He was a bright shining star in so many lives. He was intelligent, kind, musical, mechanically and technically gifted with a great sense of humor. He is in our hearts and minds forever. Love is eternal.
We are lighting this candle for our son and only child Yishai Uziel. He passed away from a ruptured aortic aneurysm that he/we didn’t know he had killing him instantly.
We are beyond devastated. Yishai is so loved and forever missed.
In loving memory of Yishai
12/2/1988 ~ 8/5/2022
Forever 33 💙
I will light a candle, tomorrow, for my forever 8 yr old daughter, Kelly Dianne Wiltse. She was tragically killed in car accident on a rural, gravel, country road on August 1st, 2000. She would have turned 31 this year on March 1st, so she has bee in Heaven 23 years. She was a beautiful angel on this earth and now she is a beautiful Angel in Heaven. I miss her terribly, every day, and will for the rest of my life. As I get older, I know that I am that much closer to being with her again. I will always have a “Kelly sized” hole in my heart
I will be lighting a candle for my son Jes, my only child, who died suddenly when he was 45. He was a first-time father. He waited so long for the love of his life, and then their baby. The baby was 15 weeks old when Jes died. It’s been nearly 4 1/2 years. Jes, my heart and soul, I miss you overwhelmingly. Love forever, Mom
I will be lighting a candle for My Airborne Army Ranger Son!!
Cameron Jon-Patrick Stewart!! CAMERON passed 1/21/2019
My CAMERON JON forever 30!!🙏❤️😭😭
We will be lighting candles in memory of my son, Joe who passed at 15 on 5/20/1999. Also in memory of my niece Cyndi, who passed this year on October 14th. We miss them both so much, but find comfort in knowing they are together!!!
We will light a candle for our beloved son Jeremy Lee who died on May 3 1998. Dearly missed each and everyday. Missed by so many each and every day😪😪
I will light a candle for my beloved son Dash who departed this world March 31, 2021. You are loved and missed by all who knew you, and your life of music, generosity and kindness is always remembered along with your smile. Play and sing with the Choir of Saints numbered like stars in Heaven, i long to be with you again.
My husband and I will be lighting a candle in memory of our only child, Anna. She was sweet, and kind, and loving, and oh so generous. While she was suffering with cancer, she raised a half million dollars for other pediatric cancer patients whose families were struggling to offer their children the very best treatment. She had a beautiful smile and a heart of gold. She was an inspiration and loved beyond measure by so many. But no one could love her as deeply as we do. We pray that her soul can still feel that love in heaven.
I will be lighting for our only 2 children, our sons, Cameron who passed on to Heaven June 14, 2015 and Dustin who also passed to Heaven on September 2, 2017. We look forward to the day we join them and all sadness will be gone forever!!!!
I will be lighting a candle for my daughter, Janessa Ornelas, who passed away on 07/24/23 after fighting leukemia for almost 7 years. 🎗🎗🎗💛💛💛🧡🧡🧡 Your were only 15 years old when you passed away, such a young age but you left a huge impact on my life as well as many other people’s lives. Rest in Heaven, my beautiful angel……….
I will be lighting a candle for my beautiful daughter Madalyn Irene. Who passed away October 18,2023 forever 15. She was kind hearted and a wonderful little and big sister. We miss and love you to the moon back baby girl.
I will be lighting a candle in memory of my daughter Alexis taken from us in 2004 at 20 months old.
👼🏻🕯️💚
We light our candles in memory of our cousin/nephew Vittorio who we lovingly called Dude. We think of him and miss him every single day. Love Auntie Roon, Uncle Dan and big cousins Brady and Parker
I will be lighting my 23 candle in memory of my beautiful Sabrina forever 23 – her family misses and never forgets her- we love you Sabrina always and forever 💜🌹
I will be lightning a candle for my precious son, Rylan Clark, forever 16….
Rylan was a perfect example of everything we, people, need to be, for this world to be a better place for us to exist.
I’m so thankful for every moment we’ve ever shared.
Love, Mom
We light our candle for our daughter Anastasia, forever 14. Gone August 2016 but never forgotten.
We light a candle for our son Bo. He was killed in an auto accident 2004. Bo was 30 yrs old & newly married. Brother to Kim. We miss him every day with every beat of our broken hearts!
I am lighting a candle tonight in memory of my daughter, Amanda, who died at 19 1/2 years old from a rare form of cancer. Twenty years where she’s lived on in mine and others hearts and memories 💜💜💜
My darling Amy. It is hard to believe that you would be 46. I have missed you over the years but smile every time I think of the many lives you touched in your short life. I know someday we will be reunited but in the meantime I carry you forever in my heart.
I will be lighting a candle in honor and memory of my precious son, Hunter (July 2020 – 21 years old). He brought so much light to our family and this world and we are spreading his light forward. We love and miss him so much!
I will be lighting a candle in memory of my beloved son Terel Smith. He left on March 12, 2023. He was loved by all, especially his mom. Love you and miss you son.
I will be lightning a candle for me son christ
my beautiful daughter Denise Marie Diaz left this world on Dec 12.1990i want to light a candle for her to let her know we still miss her dearly she was only 24 and a drunk driver took her from us so as I always want to remind people at this time of the year to not drink and drive the lives you save maybe your own or loved ones of someone else . Merry Christmas to my sweet Angel in heaven.
Tonight I will be lighting a candle in memory of my only child Andre, gone at the age of 28.5. I think of you every single day. Love you very much and for always. Mom
I will be lighting a candle for my daughter figure Alex Romero. A beautiful kind soul how has recently went on to a better place. Even though I’m sure she is in a better place, I selfishly miss her so much. Love you forever. 💕
Your Father Figure
Vincent Amato
I will be lighting a candle for my son, Joshua, who was born with Cockayne Syndrome and lived a short 20 blessed years as an angle on earth and I will light a candle for his sister, my daughter Megan, who will be spending her first Christmas in Heaven. A victim of mental illness and addiction she left 3 beautiful children who will never know how deeply their mother loved them. I had 18 years to prepare for my son’s passing after he was diagnosed although my daughter was diagnosed bi-polar in her teens I never thought it would shorten her life on earth. I love and miss you Megan and Josh, you both changed my life and brought me closer to God, may God hold you till my time on earth is over and I can hold you both once again. Love Mom
We will be lighting a candle for our beloved son Sawyer who we lost in August 2021, one week after his 18th birthday. He was an adventurous soul and inspired us all to challenge ourselves. We miss him now as much as we did when we first lost him. He will forever be in our hearts and we honor him every day.
My precious first-born, Amber Lauren Hays. *Forever 22 & forever in my heart ❤️. 1-17-87 ~ 8-16-09
We are lighting a candle for our son Mark. We Love you and miss you Mom & Dad
Lighting a candle in memory of my son, Jason who died April 29th 2023 at age 42 and bravely navigated this world with the diagnosis of a neuromuscular disease, and to shine the light he radiated.
We will be lighting a candle for our beloved son Kyle Spencer Wisdom who left us on July 4, 2021 from a genetic mutation that made him had a cardiac arrhythmia. He was such a loving son, very kind and gentle and extremely smart and talented. ❤️❤️❤️
We light a candle in memory of our son, Matthew. It’s been 14 years and we still miss him every day.
We will also be lighting a candle in memory of our niece, Mallory who was taken way too soon, but will always be in our hearts.
I will be lighting a candle in memory of my incredible nephew Noah James Harry. We miss you every day, our family will never be the same without you, but we cling to the hope that someday we will be with you again. Love you and miss you so much Buddy. Love, Aunt Katherine
I will be lighting a candle for my son Sebastian Gee who transitioned into the light on July 2021.
I will light my candle in memory of my daughter Maria Spedaliere who died at the age of 12 due to cancer. I light a second candle for our cousin Angelo Verdesco who died at 10 years old in a gas station explosion and a third candle for my friend’s son Jimmy Bellio who died of cancer.
In loving Memory of Caitlin Mary The gift that keeps on giving. 👼💙💚- Love, Mom
I will be lighting a candle for my son Michael… Michael left us on May 12th
2019 on Mother’s Day… Michael was the love of my life
He was the oldest of my three son’s. He made me a mom.
He loved baseball…. Especially the Yankees
Played baseball from Little League until he was an adult. He tried out for our Tampa Yankees a minor league team… oh how I wish he had made the team…. I’m really struggling living without him… I just love him so much and miss him even more…. Michael forever 43
I love you Michael with my whole heart, Mom
We be lighting a candle for our son Aidan Victor Hernandez. We miss you! Love you forever ❤️❤️
Mom, Dad& Fiona
I’m lighting a candle for my Dear Son Harley who lost is life to Fentanyl at the age of 26 October 6, 2022 in Aurora IL. I found him a day and half later with his doggie next to him waiting to be rescued. It was the most excruciating painful day one of which i will never get that vision out of my head for as long as I live. Harley had a heart of gold, was loyal to a fault and always stood up for the under dogs in life. He loved all people and animals and had adopted several dogs as well as taking in strays over the years. Harley was an all around athlete who played triple an ice hockey most of his life and loved all sports, having played many others as well as boxing and mma. He had a love for music and would break out into song and dance in a moments notice. He more friends and experiences in his 26 years of life than most. Harley loved his Momma and Sister beyond words. My life will never be the same, I miss my Son who was also my friend to do so many things with that we had in common, Harley was down to do hair about anything, he had such an easy going spirit. Momma misses and loves you so much Harley, rest easy my Boy❤️🙏🏻❤️
I will be lighting my candle for my beautiful daughter, Sarah and for my friends’ children, Cody, Ryan, Cory and Dale.
In honor of my precious daughter Melody Ann McCoskey ( Feb24,1974-March 17, 2007. A pink candle is burning for you my Angel. I seen a red bird today and yesterday and the days before that to let me know you are near. I feel you in my heart the red bird brings me sadness and smiles. 💜 I share this Purple Heart to bring awareness to the disease that you endured. JHD. I was going thru your Barrett’s and one had a curl of yours clipped in it. It tore my heart out. I still have those days and hope I always will. You never will be forgotten and forever loved. You are a Legacy to everyone you have touched. Melody, please look after Harley who has her Angel Wings. Her mommy misses her! 💔 For ever and ever Melody I 💕 you. Always missing you. Good Bye sweet one till Dec of 2024. 🙏🏼
I will be lighting my candle for my son Pricey (Robert Price), Forever 27.
I miss you with every breath I take.
My Priceman, I will love you forever, I will like you for always, as long as I am living, my baby you will be.
We will always remember!!!! Mom
Dolores Harley Tucker, You have your Angel Wings sweet one. Your mother loves you so much and she has you in her heart she knows that you are up there with Melody. In the garden of love, happiness, forgiveness, be with her Harley. R.I.P.
I will be lighting a candle in memory of my cousin, William Maki. His smile and laughter is missed every day. His kindness, thoughtfulness and compassion still lives on through many of us still doing “Will It Forward” random acts of kindness in his honor.
I’m also lighting the candle for my cousins son, Cole who was in a tragic motorcycle accident. I sadly never got to meet him, but I can tell from reading from all who were blessed to know him that he would help anyone out. He was very kind and hard-working. His mother and family need prayers as they work through this tragic loss.
Both young boys were taken way too soon and are missed ever so much.
I am lighting a candle for my beautiful daughter Lauren Julia. She took her life after suffering with bipolar type 1. This is our 3rd holiday without her and the pain is worse not less. Sweet baby girl the hole in our hearts will never close.
Mom Dad and John
I will be lighting a candle for my wonderful nephew Peter Vincent Hoffman.Forever 19, forever loved and missed. Peter was taken way too soon. Forever in my heart. Till we meet again.❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
I will be lighting my candle for my daughter, Hayden Fae Johnson, my only child, who died at the age of 26 in June, 2020. She was effervescent, creative, sensitive and loving. She was known for her powerful hugs. She especially enjoyed writing poetry. She struggled with depression and fell into addiction late in her too short life. She is always in my heart.
We are lighting a candle in memory of Jackson. We miss you and love you! Love Mom and April
I will be lightning a candle for my son Denzel. Forever in my heart. Mom
My candle is lit for my daughter Katie. Touched so many lives in her 23 short years with her love, compassion and kindness. Love and miss you.
Mom ❤️🙏🏽❤️
I light a candle tonight for my grandson, Sekai Ayinde Williams, a beautiful soul gone too soon. While here, he graced us all with his infectious smile and witty commentary. He’s with the angels now but will remain in my heart forever.
Lighting a candle in memory of our friend Shane River Wolff. Much love to Kim, Fran, Grace, and the entire family.
Rick and Ivana
We are lighting a candle in memory of our son, brother, nephew, special cousin. Ray Johnson Jr.
Mom, Dad, Marshall, Kim, Kremell, Mesha, Uncle O and Auntie Dee Dee
We miss and love you forever!❤️❤️❤️
Remembering all the angels I have known and have been lost too soon: My son Michael, Melissa, Kevin, Stacy, Steven, Lauren, and this loss of David and my cousin’s daughter..
I will be lighting a candle for Cory A. Smith, my nephew who was killed in a tragic car accident in July of 2006 shortly after his newborn son was born (who will soon be turning 18 years old next May). We miss you each and everyday especially on special occasions as we know you would be there. Love and Miss you deeply, Forever and Always…. Aunt Carol
I light my candle in memory of my daughter Ann, forever 53 who died in 2022. She was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, cousin., niece and friend. Her light will shine forever! Love, Mom
I am lighting candles for my only child: Davin Bauck. He died unexpectedly Labor Day 2018. He was 28. He messages me daily. Wants the world to be filled with Light, Love, Joy,& Peace. We are to continue his selfless love here. ❤ peace to all. We miss our self-less kids so. They are fine and sending ❤ but we hate the separation. We have hope to join them soon. So sorry for everyone’s pain. Prayers for strength & comfort.
We are lighting a candle for our son JT, James Thomas Hawthorne III.
JT was an amazing human being. He was the kindest, bravest person I have ever met. He loved God with his entire being, JT, you are greatly loving. We miss you so much but we know we will see you again.
Never forgotten. JT “Forever 23”
Mom & Dad
We lit a candle for my precious Daughter Heather. She was 30 years old when she left this earth in Nov 2021. We are glad to of had the time we had with her, but will forever miss her smile, laugh, sarcastic humor, beautiful artistic soul and all her special ways. May she be playing with magical unicorns and butterscotch kitties and be at peace until we meet back up one day. 😥
Tonight we lit a candle for our beautiful son Will, killed in car accident on 7/26/23 at 17 years old. Our hearts ache without you each and every day. You were an amazing kid with so much life yet to live. We are doing our best to honor you as we try to carry on in your absence. We will miss you and love you forever and ever, sweet boy. Love: Mom, Dad, and Jack
I light a candle for my 28 year old daughter Megan. She passed away in February after a 15 month battle with Glioblastoma. My heart aches for her every single day. I love and miss you with all my heart my sweet girl 😘
Tonight I light a candle for my son, Andrew Michael Smith, who left this earth on December 16, 2004. Even though it has been almost 19 years, it seems like it was just yesterday that we had to say good-bye. I cried for you today as I watched your namesake, Anders, perform in his cello recital. You would have been so proud as well as the talents of your beautiful nieces, Jasper and Dakota. We all miss you so much, Andy, and I long for the say when we will all be reunited in God’s Kingdom. I also light this candle in memory of Mama; Daddy; my brothers, Richard and Michael; my sister, Bonnie and my nephew, Little Rich. Until we meet again, I will love and miss you all every day. Mom, Daughter, Sister and Aunt.
I am lighting a candle for my beloved son, Todd. His life ended abruptly on January 1, 2007 in an automobile accident at the age of 23. He was a kind gentle person with a great love of music! There was not a person who did not like him; it was so evident in the large amount of his friends or acquaintances who came to his funeral. He and his friends enjoyed going to concerts and just hanging around listening to music. His freshman year in college reflected an “A” in guitar and F’s in all his other subjects! That was the end of his college days! I get very teary- eyed hearing a Beatles’ song; he had a large collection of movies. dvds, vhs tapes (yes), articles. books and whatever by the Beatles. He could tell you everything related to music. January 1, 2024 will be 17 years; I ask myself how all these years have gone by without seeing his happy face. His dad, his sister Jennifer, his niece Ryleigh and nephew Austin, and me miss him tremendously. He is forever in our hearts. Love, Mom
Dearest Jennifer, once again we light a candle in your memory. This will be our 26th Christmas without you and we miss you so very much. You always loved this time of year and your absence is felt very deeply,
Love you always,
Mom and Dad
Loved~Missed~Remembered
Robin Ann Craney
3/29/1984 – 6/8/2001
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE – you may end up taking a life. Our daughter was a victim of a drunk driver. We miss her EVERY DAY.
I will be lighting a candle in honor of my oldest son Jim Elwell . We lost him Sept 24 th 2013 . Not a day goes by that he is not loved and missed .
In memory of our beautiful son Horace we love and miss you everyday. You are forever in our Hearts 💙💔
Love Mom and Dad
We lit a candle in memory of Christopher Nolan Michael Lawrence. We lost him on January 22, 2019 at the age of 14. We miss him so much – his smile would light up the room, even when he was hiding the darkness and pain on the inside.
I lit my family candle in loving memory of my parents, brother, husband and daughters Hannah and Dusty. Love and miss all of you.