The weekend of November 15-17, 2014, will again be the time when groups and individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease may commemorate their and their loved ones’  journey through the Alzheimer’s Foundation National Candlelighting Event.   There will be events throughout the U.S., but also an opportunity to light a cyber candle on the Alzheimer’s Foundation website. To read more about the event, go to: http://www.candlelighting.org/

The image of light serves many purposes in religious and non-religious contexts. It conveys  a sense of wonder, power, and warmth, and provides a practical purpose in our lives: giving the ability to see in the darkness.

Light is also very active – the flame of a candle, though rooted to the wick, dances and sways in its environment. As long as there is air and wick, the light of a candle will remain lit, alive, and give illumination.

Another very potent aspect of light is that we have the power to extinguish it. Yes, wind can do this. And a candle flame can run out of wick and sputter and die. But we have at our fingertips or by our very breath the ability to snuff out even the most blazing light, and by doing so, snuff out the illumination it gives, too.

Remembering with candlelight those who live now and those who have passed on, who have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease, is a wonderful way to reinforce the affect that their fight, commitment, and strength have on us. It is also a wonderful way to say, “Yes, we are with you – and we will help keep the light burning, the illumination upon the cause, even as we keep you in our hearts and prayers.”

Blessings for the day,

Maureen