Finding Comfort in Shared Grief: The Tree of Angels Ceremony

In December 2023, over 300 people gathered at the First United Methodist Church in Richardson, Texas. They were there to honor loved ones lost to violent crime. This event, called the Tree of Angels ceremony, has been happening for 28 years in Dallas County. It started in 1991 by Verna Lee Carr, a victim advocate. Carr passed away earlier in the year, but her legacy lives on. The ceremony is now in its 35th year. The ceremony is a way for families to come together and remember their loved ones. Each family hangs an angel ornament on a Christmas tree. This small act helps them feel connected to their loved ones during the holidays. For many, it's a way to cope with their grief. Nicole Syas, who lost her uncle to violence, was one of the speakers at the ceremony. She talked about the pain of losing someone to murder. It's a pain that never goes away, she said. But the ceremony helps her and others find comfort in sharing their stories. Pat Keaton, who started the ceremony in Dallas County, still helps organize it even after retiring. She believes it's important for families to talk about their loss. It's a way for them to heal and move forward. Jacob Gonzales and his family have been attending the ceremony since 2016. They lost their mother and sister to murder. Gonzales said the ceremony helps them feel less alone. They have found a community of people who understand their pain. Bessie Hawkins has been attending the ceremony since 2012, when her daughter was murdered. She said every day is different, but the ceremony brings warmth into her life. She hangs the same angel ornament every year in memory of her daughter. Kim Segale lost her son in 2010. She has been coming to the ceremony for 15 years. She finds comfort in knowing she's not alone. She now helps other families going through similar situations. Sumer Wassef, who chairs the Tree of Angels committee, has worked in victim services for over two decades. She said the ceremony is meaningful because it helps families find a community that supports their healing process. Niki Endicott and her mother have been attending the ceremony for about 25 years. They lost Endicott's brother to violence. The ceremony has become a family tradition for them. It's a way for them to remember their loved one and find comfort in the company of others who understand their loss. At the ceremony, Syas urged families to allow themselves to feel their grief. She encouraged them to lean on each other and find rituals that bring comfort during the holiday season.