By Ana Baker –
On December 14, The Compassionate Friends of West Ventura County gathered with families and community members at Portside Ventura Harbor for their annual Worldwide Candle Lighting event, honoring children who have died too soon. The gathering was part of a global remembrance held each year on the second Sunday in December, when families around the world light a candle at 7 p.m. local time, creating a continuous wave of light in honor of children who are gone but never forgotten.
The evening provided a supportive space for families and friends to come together in remembrance. Families created photo displays of their children, each one telling a unique story of love, loss, and lasting connection. Each family brought their child’s favorite dessert to share, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the evening. As each child’s name was spoken, a candle was lit in their memory, filling the room with warmth, reflection, and quiet understanding.
Slideshows played throughout the evening on three screens, displaying photos of the children being remembered. Performances by Jesse Davis on classical guitar and Simone Vitucci on Cello demonstrated the peace and comfort music can bring during a deeply emotional night.
While the pain of loss was present, so was connection. Parents expressed gratitude for being surrounded by others who truly understand the heartbreak of child loss. In that shared understanding, many found comfort, strength, and the reminder that although grief is woven into our lives, it does not have to be carried alone.
Time Has Proven That in Caring and Sharing Comes Healing
The words of TCF’s Founder, Simon Stephens, resonate with those who have come to The Compassionate Friends hoping to find a purpose in a life that suddenly seems so empty. Whether your family has had a child die (at any age, from any cause) or you are trying to help those who have gone through this life-altering experience. The Compassionate Friends exists to provide friendship, understanding, and hope to those going through the natural grieving process. The West Ventura County chapter offers support groups in person and online, providing a safe, compassionate space for families to share, listen, and heal at their own pace. Families are welcomed regardless of how recent or long ago their loss occurred. The West Ventura County chapter is led by Laura Lindsay and co-led by Ana Baker, both of whom are bereaved parents and longtime members of The Compassionate Friends community.
The Compassionate Friends of West Ventura County extends heartfelt thanks to Portside Ventura Harbor for generously donating the room and to Sheldon Brown for arranging the use of the space. Special thanks are also to Starbucks, Trader Joe’s, and Vons for their generous donations, as well as to the many volunteers who helped before, during, and after the event.
For more information about attending our local child loss support groups, families may contact lauralindsayvta@gmail.com or anabakercfvta@gmail.com. www.compassionatefriends.org/chapter/tcf-of-west-ventura-county.
