Samantha Roth of Butler helps her mother, Arlene Roth, relight her candle at Tuesday night's prayer vigil outside of Butler Memorial Hospital.

Twice on Tuesday, the glow of candles outside Butler Memorial Hospital showed appreciation for the hard-working health care workers who waved and peaked out from the windows.

For both sessions, held during the morning and evening, about 50 people per session held candles in the darkness. Some prayed. Some sang Christmas songs. Some talked with one another — albeit 6-feet apart — about the respect they had for the workers inside.

Betty Graham of East Butler belongs to the Hill Presbyterian Church.

“I worked at this hospital until I retired. I had COVID back in March, and I had excellent care at this hospital,” said Graham looking up toward the rooms above. “My husband was in at the same time. He passed away, but he also had excellent care from them.”

Graham said she wanted the people working in the hospital to see and feel the love and appreciation the community has for them.

Read more in Wednesday's Butler Eagle.