The Lighthouse Chapter of The Compassionate Friends will meet at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 14, in the Branford Lounge at Epworth United Methodist Church.

The topic of the evening will be Valentine’s Day...Hallmark Holiday or Day of Remembrance. It will address how bereaved parents deal with past traditions that may have been lost or that they have continued despite the death of their child. The TCF Lighthouse Chapter Memory Table will be set up, and attendees are encouraged to bring a  photo of their child.

Bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings are encouraged to attend this  support group meeting. For information about The Compassionate Friends call Team Co-Leader Hope Tyler, 302-645-7572, Joan Wallen 226-1623 or Marge LaFond, 703-2383. Epworth UM Church is at 19285 Holland Glade Road, north of Rehoboth Beach.

The Compassionate Friends was founded 40 years ago when a chaplain at the Warwickshire Hospital in England brought together a pair of grieving parents and realized that the support they gave each other was better than anything he, as a chaplain, could ever say or provide. Each chapter, along with the supporting national office, is committed to helping every bereaved parent, sibling or grandparent who may seek support.

Today more than 630 chapters serving all 50 states Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico offer friendship, understanding and hope to bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents and other family members during the natural grieving process after a child has died. Around the world, more than 30 countries have a Compassionate Friends presence, encircling the globe with support so desperately needed when the worst has happened.