Monica Lambright, Robyn Jones and Denise Fidler found support and friendship in one another through the shared bond of losing a child. Their children, Tausha Lambright, Patrick Jones and Harrison Paul Fidler, and other missed children, will be remembered at the Lantern Ceremony for Bereaved Parents on Sunday, Dec. 8 at Vineyard Community Church, 7566 E 1000 N, in Syracuse.

Nearly five years ago, James and Denise Fidler of Syracuse lost their 14-year-old son, Harrison, to bacterial meningitis. One day, Harrison seemed to be coming down with the flu, and the next, he had been rushed to hospital and then, passed away.

“It happened that fast,” explained Denise Fidler.

“It’s easy for parents who lose a child to become lost in the shuffle. It’s easier sometimes to stay home, but I found the biggest help in my grief was the church and relating to others who had also lost a child,” she said.

Fidler wound up bonding with Robyn Jones and Monica Lambright, two mothers who have also lost children. Together, these three women have planned the first local Lantern Ceremony for Bereaved Parents.

Part of an international candle lighting ceremony taking place that day across the country through The Compassionate Friends organization, the ceremony will take place on Sunday, Dec. 8 at Vineyard Community Church, 7566 E. 1000 N., in Syracuse.

“Remembering a lost child matters. All the lanterns in the sky will make a big impact,” explained Fidler.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the lantern lighting at 7 p.m. Dessert and coffee will follow.

Literature will be available to connect parents and relatives to local grief support groups. Local pastors and councilors will also be in attendance. The hope is the event eventually spurs the creation of a local grief support group for parents who have lost children.

To reserve a lantern in memory of a child, call one of the event leaders by Friday, Dec. 6. They can be reached at 574-529-3595 (Denise Fidler), 574-834-2540 (Robyn Jones) and 574-518-1826 (Monica Lambright). There is no cost for a lantern.

In addition, bring a picture of the child to the event to display.

For more information about the Compassionate Friends’ international candle lighting ceremony, go to their website.