Mercy honors loved ones' memories with balloon launch

Laurie Sisk/Tribune photo From the left: Mercy Director of Home Health and Hospice Becky Davied, Mercy Social Worker LaShawn Miller, Mercy Chaplain Melissa George and Mercy Administrative Assistant Nancy Pruitt stand near some of the dozens of balloons launched at Gunn Park on Friday to honor the memory of patients the hospital has served who have since passed.

A large bundle of brightly colored mylar balloons waved gently in the breeze as survivors of patients served by Mercy Hospital Fort Scott gathered at the main shelter in Gunn Park to remember loved ones who have passed and network with other folks who have experienced the grief of losing someone they hold dear.

The evening began with a BBQ staffed by Mercy volunteers for family and friends of those who have passed and culminated with the reading of names of those who are no longer here.

A balloon was released to the sky as each name was read in a quiet, peaceful ceremony.

"We wanted to honor the families who have lost a loved one tonight by having a little dinner and a balloon launch to remember their loved ones," Mercy Social Worker LaShawn Miller said.

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