A Celebration of Life
Honoring Shim
When a loved one is nearing their end, family and friends usually gather to celebrate them. But, what if someone loses their job, their home, and their well-being? What if they become estranged from family and friends, and disconnected from the person they used to be? Who gathers to celebrate this person when they’re gone?
The McClendon Center does–that’s who.
This past Friday, our community gathered to remember Shimelis, affectionately known as “Shim”.
Shim unexpectedly passed away over the holiday weekend. He did not have a circle of family and friends around him as he left this earth, but with upbeat music and a traditional second line dance, we held space for Shim–hoping that he felt our love from afar.
Shim was always smiling and offering an abundance of blessings to his fellow community members. For the past seven years, he brought joy to the center where he sang and listened to gospel music with other Day Program participants.
“We will miss him and keep his memory alive by remembering how much love he had in his spirit,” said Aisha, our Director of Day Services.
McClendon’s Day Program bridges the gap for community members who aren’t blessed with what many take for granted–including a celebration of life after it ends. These things, small and large, are what we provide to all who walk through our doors.
It’s important for our participants to know that even when they are gone, they will be celebrated.
