Compassionate Friends is a self-help bereavement organization for families grieving the death of a child. It has more than 600 chapters in the United States, including one in Big Spring.

“We've all lost children and we all share things that helped us deal with those losses,” said Darla Swindell. “When you have someone else who understands what you've gone through, it helps you tremendously.”

No formal activities are scheduled locally to coincide with Sunday's candle lighting, Swindell said, but more than 500 services open to the public are scheduled across the United States, a Compassionate Friends news release stated.

It is no coincidence that the organization picked this time of year to hold the remembrance.

“The holiday season is especially difficult for bereaved families,” said Patricia Loder, Compassionate Friends executive director. “So often, our loss is minimized by others who believe the holiday season is a time to forget the realities of life. When your child has died, it's hard to be in a festive mood.”

Persons interested in participating in the candle lighting, but who may not be able to attend an organized event, are welcome to join an organized chat on the Compassionate Friends Web site (www.compassionatefriends.org).

For more information locally, contact Swindell at 267-2769 or Judy Pherigo at 394-4763.

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331 ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it