Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

During the holiday season, Optimal Hospice Foundation holds its annual Trees of Life celebration in several communities throughout Kern, Tulare, Fresno and Stanislaus Counties. Individuals are invited to sponsor a light in memory of a friend or loved one, or for someone living whom they wish to honor. Foundation Executive Director, Ann Smart was in Lake Isabella last Thursday morning to preside over the celebration being held at the Senior’s Center.

When asked why the Foundation holds the annual Tree of Life celebration, Smart explained that the purpose is twofold. First, the event allows Optimal staff, both from the foundation and the frontline hospice workers to come together with families and friends of people who have passed away. The holidays can be a very difficult time of year for those that are grieving a loved one. By sponsoring a light in memory of that person, they are not only recognizing the special place that they hold in their heart, but they are also helping to raise money for the foundation that exists to raise awareness of hospice, promote compassionate services in the community, and ensure access to quality services for families in the Optimal Hospice service area, regardless of their ability to pay.   Optimal Hospice Care Chaplain, Pat Roberts was on hand at the celebration to add an inspirational and spiritual element to the occasion. The poems and letters that he shared with the group gathered around the tree were very touching as was obvious from the tears shining in everyone’s eyes.

Local musician and singer, Rick Fankhauser added greatly to the celebration with his renditions of some of the season’s most loved carols. Fankhauser encouraged others to join him in singing. It was clear from the wistful expressions on many of the faces, that the words and music evoked memories of holidays spent with special loved ones.

Three of the Optimal Hospice Care nursing staff read the names of all those who had been honored on this year’s tree. It was clear from the smiles on their faces as they read some of the names, they too were remembering special times they had shared with some of their patients.

At the end of the event, all those who attended where given a beautiful Christmas Dove ornament with which to adorn their own Christmas tree. For some who have recently lost a loved one, this Christmas will no doubt be a difficult one. For that reason alone, Roberts chose to read the poem “A gift of a smile.” He wanted to remind everyone that what we need most aren’t the gifts that are bought and wrapped, but rather it’s the gifts of love, compassion and even a simple smile bestowed on a stranger that can make all the difference in the world. For more information about the Trees of Life celebrations or about Optimal Hospice Foundation, please call (661) 716-8000.

Optimal Hospice Foundation exists to raise awareness of hospice, promote compassionate services in the community, and ensure access to quality services for families in the Optimal Hospice service area, regardless of their ability to pay.