As we gather to commemorate two years since that fateful day in Lewiston Maine, we remember the strength and resilience of our community. In the face of adversity, we find hope and healing together. On October 25, 2024 our community of Lewiston Maine experienced a mass shooting that took the lives of 18 of our members…and many more wounded and affected by that scary and frightful night and many days that followed! However we are here and full of love and hope, trying to use that love and hope to move forward despite tragedy and trauma 🙂
For many in our community this past week may have been difficult recounting the harrowing evening, however the community celebrating love and resiliency has been so upbuilding & faith strengthening!! For many others the pain and hurt is beyond words that nobody but themselves will be able to understand..(prayers for those families) but i hope they found some light, even a flicker from events this week!
It’s so good to look for bright spots even in the most difficult times, isnt it?? This weekend’s activities provided entertainment and comforting words!! I felt like i had to be there to support those affected and Im so glad i did, it was alitle bit of closure for me as well…..So thanks to all who made this happen!! A Huge and Special thanks to Frankie Ballard for his amazing words of comfort, inspiration & amazing tunes he played on Saturday night!! I’ll post a short clip with you all to enjoy soon!! And 12/OC added to the great concert and beautiful tribute!! Many family members who lost loved ones that day, survivors, and families affected by loss were in attendance, it was nice to even see community members older and even babies attend the event!!!!
🌟 Embracing Love
Like the warm melodies of Frankie Ballard, may we find comfort in the love that surrounds us. Let each note remind us of the joy and connection we share!! One of the notes he highlighted in the song hellavah of a life, is that” bad times makes good times better” a reminder of better times ahead!!
“I don’t know what this night feels like to you’ he said, “but to me it feels like lewiston strong” he spoke of rebuilding community and making Lewiston a great city again! He felt like there were cool places to visit, starts with the people and that there were good people in our community!
Frankie spoke about feeling honored to be at the commemorative event, and that even though he wasn’t here two years ago, he’s here now… really making him being apart of the commemoration very special for all of us really. He invited us to sing the lyrics after him saying if we have faith in the future & have room for the future… He asked the crowd to sing along….
“pennies make dimes and dimes make dollars
dollars buy gas and longneck bottles
beer gets a barefoot countrygirl swayin
to a song thats playing, its the perfect combination
bad times makes the good time better..
look in her eyes and you’re gone forever
on a hellavah ride
yeah, its a helluva life.
its a helluva life”
Such a beautiful tribute and words to inspire us to move forward and have faith that things will get better!! love it!! I know that those in the audience were appreciative.. it brought tears to my eyes when he spoke of the meet and greet he had with a victim whose wounds had healed 🙂 and isn’t it true just like a wound heals and sometimes it seems like it never will, it too heals…its a reminder that we can heal too.. it may take time, even an eternity for some but slowly but surely we do heal from a brokenheart.. I know i did, it took some time but eventually my faith and hope has gotten me thru..
🕊️ Honoring Memories
We hold close the memories of those we’ve lost, honoring them by living fully and with purpose. Their memories continues to shine in our hearts.
🤝 Community Strength
Together, we rise. Let us support one another, offering kindness and compassion as we navigate through the challenges ahead.
💖 A Message of Hope
May this commemoration serve as a reminder that, even in our darkest times, hope can guide us toward brighter days. Let’s continue to uplift each other as we move forward together. Thanks for following along and lets keep encouraging one another 🙂
Last years commemorative post:
A lane of Hope: How our community is healing and coming together after a tragedy!
Thanks so much for following along 🙂