Keeping Children’s Memories Alive

Parents, who have lost children, are lighting candles worldwide so their memories can live on.

The Zanesville gathering of the National Children’s Memorial Candle Lighting Service took place at the Rolling Plains Church tonight.

Head event coordinator, Beth Dickerson, says the number of children the community has lost is growing to 140 this year, and she says it’s important that these families have some place to go where they can talk about their losses.

"If you’ve been through the loss of a child, it’s nice knowing you’re not alone. It’s a celebration of their lives because I believe they’re that important. Their lives ended too soon, but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be remembered for eternity, " says Dickerson.

Cherl Haggenjos, another event coordinator, lost her son eight years ago. She says there is a special connection that these families share.

"I think it’s a deep understanding. You know, the sorrow they’ve felt. It’s a sorrow that i can’t explain. It’s so deep that it just affects you down to your very core, " says Haggenjos.

Families came together to grieve, pray, sing, and celebrate the lives of their children, who Dickerson says will always be in their hearts.