If you know me then you already know that my faith lives in my heart and spirit. Faith to me is believing…believing when there is no proof, no for-sures and no understanding. Faith gets me through hard times and makes the happy times that much more joyful. I am so proud to be a member of Highpoint and excited to be a small piece in a massive puzzle of people creating a memorial for the victims of the 7.20 theater shooting here in Aurora where we live. Sunday services always inspire me. Today did more than ever.
This morning I got to hear the younger sister of one of the victims who died speak. Her words echo in my mind today as I know the pain of losing a brother so very close in age difference to her. I know that living every day in their absence offers challenges, stirs memories and creates a new meaning to love. When she explained why a memorial matters not only for her but for our community and world, I could feel the beginning of healing happening. When we rally together to love, honor and support one another, magic happens. It really does. The connections and bonds between humans happens.
As Pastor Gene talked about community, I doodled. Truth…I doodle in church.
The memories of the evil massacre of that day live on here in Aurora and in the families/friends of the victims all over the world. The youngest victim was only 6, Veronia Moser-Sullivan.
Here is a list of the 12 who died. They were all amazing people. I urge to click over and read about them.
70 others were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The trial is happening. There are photos and blogs and stories all over reopening hurting hearts.
You can be a little piece that builds this too. On June 28th at Highpoint there will be a Freedom Service at which time they will hold an offering collection JUST FOR THIS MEMORIAL! If you would like to contribute, you can send a check or money to me and I will put it in the offering. If you are blogger, I really would love your support here. We get a bad rap sometimes for wanting handouts and free things. This is a chance to give back, to make a difference and to be a contribution. If you send a check, make it out to ‘720 Memorial Fund’. Here is my address:
Laura Kelly Walters, PO Box 461873, Aurora, CO 80046
The “Reflection Memorial Garden” will be at the Aurora Municipal Center, at East Alameda Parkway and South Chambers Road.The really awesome thing about this is that the city of Aurora is going to manage and handle all of the ongoing upkeep. I also love that the relatives of the victims are choosing the art and participating in the process of building the memorial.
If you are local in the Denver area, please join us on June 28th for the Freedom Service. It is going to be awesome sauce. You can come to the 9 or 10:30 service and be a part.
I love that you read my blog. I love that I can contribute to inspiring others to create artistically and to live creative lives. I only hope that I also inspire others to be kind, to be giving and to support each other.
Love,
Laura