That their light may always shine.
Each December, on the same evening, families around the world light candles for the children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters who have died. Join us in Brandon to light ours together, say their names, and share a meal with people who understand.
What to expect
A potluck supper · 6:00 pm
We begin around the table. Bring a favorite dish to share, maybe one your child loved. Plates, drinks and candles are provided.
The memory table
Bring a framed photo of your child to place on our memory table for the evening. It becomes a room full of the faces we love.
Lighting our candles
After supper, each family lights a candle for their child as we read each child’s name aloud. Your candle is yours to take home at the end of the evening. Our candles join a wave of light that moves around the world for 24 hours, so no child is forgotten.
Time together
Stay as long as you like to talk, hug and remember. Or slip out quietly when you need to. There’s no wrong way to be here.
Have your child’s name read
Every child’s name is spoken aloud as we light our candles. Tell us your child’s name and who they are to you: son, daughter, grandchild, brother or sister. You can also send their birthday and angel date, so we remember them in our newsletter and cards all year.
Already on our remembrance list? Your child’s name will be read. You don’t need to send it again.
Sign up to attend
So we have enough seats, candles and plates, please let us know you’re coming and how many will be with you. Family and friends are welcome.
Light a candle at home
Light a candle at home that evening, wherever you are, and know you’re not alone. Share a photo of your candle and your child on our Facebook page, and we’ll hold them in our hearts that evening.
Be gentle with yourself this season.
The holidays can make the empty chair feel even emptier. It’s okay to change traditions, or to keep them. Set a place, light a candle, or say your child’s name at the table. Leave early when you need to. And come to our meetings in December. You’ll find others who understand exactly how hard this month can be.
Before you come
Is it only for parents?
No. Grandparents, siblings, family and friends are all welcome, whether your child died recently or many years ago, at any age and from any cause.
I’ve never been to a meeting. Can I still come?
Yes, please do. Many families come to the Candle Lighting first. You don’t need to speak, and someone will be there to welcome you.
What should I bring?
A dish to share and, if you’d like, a framed photo of your child for the memory table. We’ll provide a candle for each family to light and take home.
Can I bring my children?
Yes. Children are welcome, and many families light a candle together for a brother or sister. Little ones can find it hard to sit through the candle lighting, and that’s okay. Feel free to step out with them for a few minutes, or let them hold your hand and just watch the candles. No one will mind.
Who do I call with questions?
Call Debbie at 813-690-4448, or email TampaCompassionateFriends@gmail.com.
“…that their light may always shine.”
Part of The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting, the second Sunday of every December.