Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
A Clovis mother whose infant son died from a medical complication and others who bear the grief of losing a child will hold a candlelight vigil Sunday.
The vigil is held annually around the world in remembrance and honor of children who have died at any age from any cause, according to a press release from The Compassionate Friends, a worldwide support group for bereaved families.
“When you lose a son or a daughter, it is really hard during the holidays,” said Gina Gutierrez, leader of the Eastern Plains chapter of The Compassionate Friends. “You are not able to buy presents for them or to share time with them. The service is an opportunity for parents to do a little something special for their children.”
Gutierrez formed the chapter last year to help local grieving families. Her firstborn son, Jake, died 14 years ago from a staph infection, she said.
In Clovis, the candle-lighting ceremony will be at 7 p.m. Sunday at 2505 Hammond Blvd., according to Gutierrez.
A special ornament will be given to the first 30 families to arrive.
For information about the chapter or the vigil, contact Gutierrez at 799-1881.
Reporter’s notebook was compiled by CNJ staff writer Marlena Hartz. Suggested items may be mailed to Managing Editor Rick White at P.O. Box 1689, Clovis, NM 88102. The e-mail address is:
