In recognition of November as National Hospice Month, Coastal Hospice will host a “Sea Shell Memorial Gathering” on the Ocean City Fishing Pier on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 3-4 p.m. Free and open to everyone in the community, the purpose of this gathering is to provide a personal moment to remember, reflect, and offer gratitude to those who have died.
“It is a chance to be surrounded by the love, understanding, and support of others – even strangers who are experiencing many of the same feelings and emotions,” Howard Travers, bereavement services manager for Coastal Hospice, said. “We are strengthened as a community as we reach out to support others and build understanding of our common human values and experiences.”
Those who attend will write the names of loved ones or special personal messages on sea shells and then return the shells to the sea. Guests may bring their own special shells, or Coastal Hospice will have shells available. At 3:30 p.m., a brief memorial service will be held with singing, inspirational readings, ideas on how to cope with grief over the upcoming holidays, and quiet reflection.
Staff members from Coastal Hospice — including spiritual and bereavement counselors — will be present to offer comfort and support.
Free parking is available at the Ocean City Inlet Parking Lot near the ramp to the Ocean City Fishing Pier, which is handicapped accessible.
More information is available by calling bereavement services at 410-742-8732 or at CoastalHospice.org.
Founded in 1980, Coastal Hospice is a nonprofit health care organization that cares for individuals facing life-limiting conditions but who want to remain as active and engaged as possible. Coastal Hospice cares for patients in their home, nursing home, or assisted living facility or at Coastal Hospice at the Lake.
