POST FALLS - Christmas season is always a tender time for Jackie Kirk, but she found peace on Monday night.

The Post Falls woman, whose husband Loren died eight years ago this month, was among about 200 who packed into the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center for Hospice of North Idaho's 30th annual memory tree lighting ceremony to remember lost loved ones.

"I come every year because it helps release some of the pain I'm always carrying," she said. "It's spiritual and important to me. It's just a needed thing."

Attendees listened to soothing seasonal songs of hope, heard words of encouragement, found unity in lighting candles during their dark time and paid respect to their loved ones with names on doves to decorate the memory tree.

"A little bit of light is all many of us need, but, oh do we need it," said Cindy Reed, Hospice House director. "Together we can make it."

Hauser's Ludmilla Casey attended to remember her younger sister Helen Lessig and mother Maria Lessig. Both died in the past year.

"I came here to seek support," Casey said. "Hospice has the best support spiritually and emotionally. They have so much warmth.

"This made me feel special and it made me feel like (Helen and Maria) were here with us tonight."

Post Falls' Bob Foster and his father, Bob, paid respect to their late mother and wife Gail who died a year and a half ago.

"Dad called me and asked if I'd like to go, and I said, 'Sure,'" Foster said. "It's a nice program and opportunity to bring people together who lost someone close."

Four candles - representing grief, courage, memories and love - were lit up front. Each attendee then held their own candle, remembering their lost love ones and adding an abundance of light to the center. A moment of silence was held after the singing of "Silent Night."

"No person is every truly alone," said Pam Parsons, a bereavement counselor.

The Rev. Grant MacLean said those coping with loss are encouraged to share stories of their loved ones with others. They are messages of unity, hope and love, MacLean said. They can also be a "priceless gift" to the listener.

"Sharing your story affirms life in the midst of darkness," MacLean said. "Your story is a witness to the importance of your loved one's journey. It's also a path in healing."