TOLEDO, Ohio -
The Compassionate Friends is a group for families who have lost children. Sunday night, the Northwest Ohio chapter participated in the 16th Annual Worldwide Candle Lighting to honor lost loved ones. The event is believed to be the largest mass candle lighting in the world.
Candle were lit from seven to eight p.m. Maryellen Schmidt, a leader of the local chapter said, "So as one time zone blows their candles out, the next time zone is lighting them, so we have a wave of light around the world."
Schmidt helped organize the memorial. She joined the group when she lost her son and future daughter-in-law in a car accident.
"I hear things from other parents saying, people who don't understand don't want to talk about it. They don't want to listen to me talk about it. But, I need to talk about my child. So, we meet monthly so we can share our stories and any problems we might be having."
Counselor Tim Butler lead the vigil. He also knows first-hand about the pain. He lost his 12-year-old daughter to a cancer treatment ten years ago.
"Just because I knew the steps to take, it did not make them any easier." He said. "Cause the journey through grief is a deep one."
Group member Kelly Sporleder said she feels closer to her son when she can talk about him and remember.
The annual vigil is held the second Sunday of December.
To learn more about The Compassionate Friends of Northwest Ohio, go to their Facebook Page or check out the group's main page www.compassionatefriends.org
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