If you go to Albany’s Westland Hills field, you won’t see the usual baseball diamond. Instead, the outfield has been transformed by dozens of decorated Christmas trees.
Some are decorated pink for breast cancer awareness. Others include photos and personal mementos.
Jennifer Rosencrans decorated the tree she purchased with mostly red ornaments.
“My husband was born with a congenital heart defect that he eventually needed to have a heart transplant. So, we did red for the American Heart Association,” says Rosencrans.
Her husband Courtney died in 2019, just days before their daughter’s fourth birthday. The holidays were his favorite time of year.
“He was one of those people; he couldn’t wait to get his gifts, but I think he really liked family time,” says Rosencrans.
The holidays can be a joyful time for many, but for those who have lost a loved one, it can be particularly lonely. Rosencrans says decorating a remembrance tree helps to keep Courtney’s memory alive, and their daughter included.
“It meant a lot to me to be able to do it with my daughter and have her help do it. She would help hand me the ornaments and I would hang them on the tree,” says Rosencrans.
There’s also something about the number of other families feeling the same way. This is the first year the Westland Hills baseball and softball league has opened its field for decorating. In all, there are 100 trees.
“I might still feel a little alone, but this was absolutely breathtaking,” says Rosencrans.
Those at Westland Hills say they hope to make this an annual tradition, helping to give people a sense of peace during the holidays.
