Union University Student Mo Sparks, junior communication studies major, hosted a Walk for Remembrance on the Great Lawn on Sunday, March 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Sparks organized the event in honor of her father who passed away in March 2022.
After losing her father, Sparks was able to find a support system in the Residence Life on Union’s campus, but also found that there was still a need for support systems as many people are dealing with loss, especially the loss of a parent.
“In the past few weeks there has been a push on campus for unseen illnesses, and grief. Meeting the needs of grief especially for college students will help them process grief,” Sparks said. “In college, students are so busy that they do not get a chance to grieve.”
On the walk, there were multiple stations for participants to take a moment to remember and grieve those whom they have lost. The stations asked for a memory of those who had passed, a proud moment that a lost parent was no longer there for and a suggestions of what to say and what not to say to those who are grieving.
“I attended the walk to support those that I’m close with who are supporting people who have lost a parent” Jo Wafler, senior social work major, said. “I was really encouraged to see Mo take the initiative and create the space for people to grieve, process and celebrate their loved ones.”
The event ended with a balloon release. White balloons were released by those who lost a parent and clear balloons by those there to support someone.
“A lot of grief happens behind the scenes,” Sparks said. “Give others grace.”
Sparks hopes that this event becomes an annual event at Union University in the years to come.
Photo provided by Participant
I am so thankful for Mo Sparks and her story. Her daddy was one of a kind and he challenged our family to always be present. We have grown as a family because of Jeff Sparks. I would also like to say-whichever faculty member reprimanded her on her return from her father’s funeral should have to go to a sensitivity training. I know as teachers we can get overwhelmed with our student’s excuses, however -know your students enough to recognize the difference in a poor excuse or a tragedy.
Way to be Mo! My dad died in the middle of a college semester and I stayed busy and didn’t take some of the intentional time that I should have; I’m proud of you for being you and also taking help to others!