Lights for Little Lives Memorial Walk Honors Little Lives Gone Too Soon

"The fact that there are always so many of you present at this event no matter the weather — even when it has been drizzling in past years —really comes to show the support we have for each other," said Stan Morrison, master of ceremonies at the induction of the 14th annual Lights for Little Lives Memorial held on Dec. 31 — New Year's Eve. That day unity was exemplified by families gathered at the Ronald McDonald House in Loma Linda. Hosted by The Unforgettables Foundation for over a decade, the Little Lives Memorial walk is presented as an opportunity for families to reflect on and honor the lives of the beloved children who have passed away and keep their presence thriving in the hearts of of those whose lives they touched. Gary Christmas, Unforgettables Foundation board chairman, welcomed the crowd and emphasized the importance of keeping the memories of lost little ones always alive and to continuously support each other in times of despair and trial, including learning to cope with the loss of a loved one. With an invocation given by Reverend Ray Turner, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Christmas, and the National Anthem sung by Matt Rubic, the ceremony began as doves were released in symbolic tradition in memory of "the children gone too soon." Three mothers who recently lost children in 2013 were given the opportunity to individually release a dove and lead the release of a dozen doves. As doves flew off into the valley, event leaders explained that just as the doves flew off in freedom, so too did the lost children "fly off to a better place where there is [happiness]." The City of Loma Linda and the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce expressed their support and deepest condolences for the grieving families that experienced the terrible loss during the event. Representing the city and the chamber, Chamber Executive Director Phil Carlisle told families they are not alone in these times of grief and trial. Benjamin Hartnell, president of the Loma Linda Crossroads Rotary, presented the Top Doctor awards to Dr. Richard Chinnock, Dr. John Mace, and Dr. Paul Reiman. Mike Stong, president of the Riverside Uptown Kiwanis Club, also presented the Kiwanis Club's third annual Unforgettable Kiwanis Friend of Children Award to Ben Orozco. Walk Marshals Margie Miller, Publisher of the City News Group, and Eileen Hards, Marketing Coordinator at the University of Redlands, led the memorial walk and the procession to the church as Boy Scout Troop #90 carried the event banners with Devonne Rowlen and Jenny Wright carrying the mortuary banner. Once at the church, candles were lit and Julio Tabuenca, the interim senior pastor of Campus Hill Church, welcomed the families and supporters of the event. Tabuenca emphasized that faith is important when dealing with a loss. "It's not about reminiscing on their death but the memories you created with them that you can cherish forever," said Gabriela Evans, a supporter of the event. Ana Neal was one of the many mothers present and participating at this years Lights for Little Lives Memorial Walk. Along with the rest of her family, Neal was present in loving memory of her son, Patrick Neal Jr. "This was my first time at this event and it was wonderful," Neal said. 'It was truly moving and it felt nice knowing we are not alone. Musical performances abounded at the event, with duo Kaija and Kelsie Cauldren singing "Unforgettable" and "For Good," while Brian Bautista, Lori Corona and D.J. Smith performed "It Is Well With My Soul" and "Lean On Me," with Smith on piano. As the musical performance ended with "Lean On Me," The Unforgettables Foundation founder, Chaplain Tim Evans, invited everyone present to "lean on them." "Lean on us. That's what this is all about; for all of you to lean on each other and help each other because you are all part of one big family... the Unforgettable family," Evans said. After the reading of names of children that passed away, the emotional highlight of the event began as each family stepped forward, lit a candle, and said aloud the name of the child they'd lost. The event came to an end with closing blessings given by Father Leonard DePasquale of St. Bernardine Catholic Church, Rabbi Suzanne Singer of Temple Beth El in Riverside, Pastor Julio Tabuenca of Campus Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Associate Pastor Frank Pompa of The Branch Church.