MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Having a loved one in the hospital over the holidays can be challenging, especially if they are hospitalized far from home.
The Beacon House in Marquette provides free lodging, free meals, and a safe environment for those who have loved ones in the hospital. They also understand that the holidays can be tough for patients, as well as those who love them.
“Christmas Day here is filled with a lot of laughter, a lot of giggles, lots of yummy foods, but it’s also silent moments. It’s also quiet times, but no one is ever alone,” said Tavernini-Dowling.
Life in the beacon house is far more than a warm bed and a warm meal. The entire staff and their volunteers recognize the importance of feeling at home during this time of year.
“Right around October, we start planning for how can we be the most special home for these people, not knowing who will be here, but knowing there will always be someone,” said Tavernini-Dowling.
The Beacon House gave out personalized gifts in Christmas stockings to all their guests this year, as well as a big family-style holiday dinner on Christmas.
“That’s one of the things about Beacon House, is we try to create this community of I mean, it really gets even deeper. Sometimes it really feels like family,” remarked Tavernini-Dowling.
She went on to recount a story of a woman who flew here from Hawaii to be with her sick mother.
“She called us and said, You know, I’m not going to get there till midnight, the night before Christmas, and you know, you probably won’t have room for me. And we said, no, no, this is what we plan for,” explained Tavernini-Dowling.
Tavernini-Dowling and her staff understand how important the smallest of gestures can be.
“You know, we can’t ever change what’s happening to them in their medical crisis, but we can change how they get through it, said Tavernini-Dowling
For more information about The Beacon House please visit their website, upbeaconhouse.org
