At one of many Celebrate-A-Life events, a woman approached the volunteers' table, greeted them, took out her cheque book, and made a generous donation to Victoria Hospice. As she wrote the cheque, she told the volunteers that her donation was for her three sons.

The two volunteers exchanged quick looks and did their very best to maintain their respective composures. When the woman completed her task, she went over to the Christmas tree, turned on three lights, smiled at the volunteers, and went on her way.

It didn't take long before the volunteers found their vision obscured by mist. They commiserated about this poor woman who had lost three sons. They commended her bravery. They talked about how absolutely terrible they would feel in similar circumstances.

Shortly, the woman returned to the table. “I think I may have upset you nice people, so I have come back to explain. I want you to know that my three sons are alive and well. Because Victoria Hospice is one of my favorite charities, I always turn on three lights on your tree in recognition of my three wonderful boys and in gratitude for their well-being.” Needless to say, there were relieved smiles all around, a couple of those special Hospice Hugs were shared, and all was suddenly right in this Celebrate-A-Life world.

I have no doubt that the three young sons in this particular family will be well coached in responding to the needs of the bereaved with insight, sensitivity, and humanity.