Some use holiday displays at Cape County Park North to honor departed loved ones

When Becky Tyler's son Andrew died, the only way she knew to deal with her loss was to honor his memory by doing things that would benefit and bring joy to others.

Andrew had a heart attack during swim practice at the Jackson City Pool in June 2003. He died in October 2003 of complications from the heart attack. He was 12.

"We were in Philadelphia when he passed. We called and told people Andrew had gone home to be with the Lord. He had achieved his victory in heaven," Tyler said. "The church put out a banner that said, 'Welcome home Andrew,' and 'Let the little children come to me.'"

The banner, along with a picture depicting Andrew and Jesus, has been made into a large card, providing the inspiration for her display at the Cape Girardeau County Park Holiday of Lights.

"It is a Christmas card from heaven. It's Andrew telling us it's OK," she said.

Christi Foutz, left, and her mother, Carolyn Cannon, set up light-up teddy bears Saturday as part of the memorial Christmas display in honor of Cannon's daughter Rhonda Cannon. Rhonda, who loved teddy bears, died in car accident 16 years ago at the age of 25 on her way to a wedding. Cannon and Foutz have been putting the memorial display up for the past 12 years at Cape County Park North. (Laura Simon)

Tyler said the holidays are a hard time for her. She struggles to make it from Oct. 27, the date of Andrew's death, to Jan. 21, his birthday. Being able to honor Andrew's memory and celebrate God's glory with others help her and her family.

Throughout the year she and her three children, who are adopted, sponsor a variety of events and fundraisers in memory of Andrew. Money raised is sent to the orphanages where she adopted her children.

Martha Compas has had a display at the park since 1989. It started as a way to pay honor to her nephew's memory. Erik Long was killed in a car accident on Christmas Day 1988.

"He was like a son to me. My sister was a single mom and we were very close," she said. "I helped raise him. I bought him his first truck."

Through the years the display has grown to include other family members who have passed away. It now honors her father, the Rev. Jonas Long; her mother, L.B. Long; and her sister, Juanita Long.

Compas said she does not want to forget her loved ones and the joy they brought to those around them. Honoring them during the light display is one way she continues to keep them close.

"It keeps their memory alive. If I didn't do something, I'd feel bad," she said.

She changes her display a little every year. This year she will feature a sled filled with teddy bears and presents, Christmas trees and Santa Claus riding a horse.

In the past she has incorporated a park bench with Santa and Mrs. Claus into the display. During a particularly warm holiday season, she created an Hawaiian-inspired display.

Compas said it can take her up to two hours to install her display, but it is worth the effort.

Bruce Watkins, park superintendent, said this year's display will feature more than 200 individual entries from area residents, as well as local businesses. He said there is a high demand for space and this year they were able to add a few spaces to meet the need.

Watkins said the county parks department, the county commission and the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri first sponsored the display in 1987 with 11 entries as a way for the county and surrounding areas to come together and celebrate the season.

The memorial displays were added in 1988.

"The second year someone came and asked if they could do a display in memory of their grandfather that had passed away. It just bloomed from there," he said.

Despite the number of memorial displays, Watkins said there are still more entries from businesses and groups.

All displays are subject to guidelines and must be done in a winter or holiday theme.

The names of the sponsoring business, organization or individual must also meet size limitations.

The 2010 Holiday of Lights will start at 5 p.m. Thursday and continue until Jan. 1.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600

Pertinent Address:

Cape Girardeau County Park North, Cape Girardeau, MO