The Legacy Of Love Lives On – Remembrance Event And Brick Dedication Ceremony

On the ninth of November, in the dusk of a late fall sky, we gathered with families, friends, and loved ones to honor 55 newly dedicated bricks—each one a lasting tribute to the residents cared for at Abbie Hunt Bryce Home over the past year. Each brick represents a life, a unique story, and a treasury of memories. Our small community came together in a circle of remembrance, taking time to reflect on those who passed through our doors and into our hearts.

Chaplain Rob Mifflin of Paradigm Health led the ceremony.

Here is an excerpt of his insightful and comforting words:

“It seems to me that the fact that you are here this evening means that you acknowledge the journey of loss that you are on, and it is my hope that your presence means you are granting yourself grace to heal and receiving grace from others who are gathered here this evening—grace to recognize your loss. We may not have much control over the seasons of life that come to us, but, as I often tell parents of children, ‘Kids—even very young ones—begin to understand that they cannot control what life brings across their path. But what they can control is how they learn to cope with it.’ Most of us find it helpful to give honor to our loved one’s name—to speak that name, to share blessed memories and stories about them; stories and memories that keep them close to our hearts.

So, this evening, we are all sharing in one another’s season of life—a season that may feel like the winter of one’s soul. But in speaking their name, in remembering, and in sharing (if you wish) something you will always treasure about them, you bring a little bit of spring into that season—how that person impacted your life. As someone once encouraged: ‘Gratitude for the turning of the seasons. May we attune our hearts to their enduring message of renewal.'”

Our Executive Director, Madison, offered heartfelt reflections, sharing insights into how deeply each resident has touched our lives. And Karen, our Home Manager, took time to read each name aloud, ensuring that no life would be forgotten.

“Many times, when you ask someone who is passing away what their greatest fear is, it isn’t death—it is being forgotten. For our residents at this home, the bricks on this wall, with their names, will stand in memorial for as long as this building stands and will live on in the hearts of those who have had the privilege to work and volunteer here.

But beyond a name, the energy, the message of your life, and the love you planted in the world will be carried on. The message of your life is communicated through words and actions—about what matters, about how we treat each other, about how we carry ourselves, and what we value. Those legacies live on even after our names are forgotten. The story of our lives ripples out in ways we will never even know.

Today, we dedicate 55 new bricks, 55 new names, and 55 new legacies. Let me share the legacy the residents of the Abbie Hunt Bryce Home have left on my heart—legacies I try to carry out and embody every day through the work we do here, and that I want to pass on to you now: the spirit of giving back until your final moment, the ability to smile amidst unthinkable pain, the redemption of relationships and friendships, the resilience they displayed through life’s hardships, and the love they embodied until their last breath.”

Every Name Matters

Behind every name read that evening is a story—a story of experiences, laughter, and resilience. For some of our residents, the Abbie Hunt Bryce Home became not only a place of care but also the only family they knew in their final days. Too many of our residents arrived at our doors alone, without family to visit, reminisce with, or comfort them as they faced the end of their journey. Many had endured difficult lives, often disconnected from their loved ones, with little or no support network remaining. For those individuals, our home became a place where they could find the warmth of companionship, the joy of shared meals, and the reassurance of friendly faces nearby.

When a resident comes to us without family, our team steps in to fill that role—offering not just care, but compassion and connection. Our staff and volunteers become a family to each resident, sharing laughter, memories, and those quiet moments that often mean the most. For those who had nobody else, we ensured they didn’t walk alone; they became part of our family here, and they were loved. This is why every name read aloud on Friday night matters profoundly to us—because we know that, in some way, we became their final home and family.

As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded of how essential our mission is—to provide not just shelter and care, but genuine companionship to those who would otherwise be left isolated. Your support this season ensures we can continue to offer a home filled with compassion, dignity, and love for all those who need it. With your help, we can keep creating a place of belonging for those without family, a place where every life is honored, and every memory cherished. Thank you for being part of this journey and helping us honor those who may otherwise be forgotten.