I received an email from Lisa N., a dear friend (and remarkable writer) on December16th asking if I would join in on a flash caroling event at Clackamas Town Center on Weds. evening, December 19th. At first I thought about the shooting there and that maybe this would not be appropriate. Next I thought about my voice and how maybe it would not be good enough, and I thought of my recent loss of my husband and that I would not be able to do this.
Then I read the rest of her message which said she wanted people to join in and do this to "demonstrate our empathy and compassion for those affected by the shooting. The message we wish to deliver is that we will not allow the darkness within a few disturbed individuals to extinguish the light within us all." I found myself weeping. These were not tears of sadness, but tears of realization of the truth and beauty in her words. I knew I had to go. This would not only be healing for those who hear us and hear about this, but a healing for me as well.
I immediately sent out emails to many people I knew. I was not sure if any of them would take time from their busy holiday schedules to attend but hoped.
I was not disappointed. My joy at seeing friends and neighbors there as well as many others I did not know was overwhelming. People cared and people wanted to help others as well as themselves to heal, not only from the loss of those killed at the mall, but from their losses and pain felt in this past year. There were at least 60 people who made this fit in their plans, made the time to get the message out to shine your light in the darkness. The message of love and hope and healing must carry on. We cannot let others destroy the real message of this season.
We were shown on two television stations, so now the message spread even farther, and I am so happy that I was a part of this healing event.
I am the lady next to the guitarist and Pat who is wearing red jacket and white hat and weeping.
http://news.yahoo.com/video/portlandorkgw-15751112/flash-mob-carols-at-clackamas-town-center-31374899.html
That was KGW Channel 8 news in Portland, OR.
Channel 2 KATU also featured the message (and this woman in red was interviewed):
http://www.katu.com/home/video/Carolers-at-the-Clackamas-Town-Center-184222281.html
I hope you all will lift up your voices and let everyone know that we shall overcome.
Merry Christmas and God Bless you all.
I'm so glad you added a new dimension (shall we say) to the news reports on the gathering. Thank you for caring and joining in the celebration of life.
ReplyDeleteI was so privileged to do so.
DeleteWhen you give, you receive. So glad the healing worked both ways for you.
ReplyDeleteI have been so blessed.
DeleteHave a Merry Christmas Rose!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had an opportunity to do that caroling event. Talk about something truly special. I'm sorry I wasn't there. I want to thank you and all your friends, though, for going out and doing such a wonderful thing at a time when such actions are needed most. For many, that caroling group has brought light back into the world, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteDevon
You're famous, Rose!!
ReplyDeletePearl
Rose, there is just something powerful about people coming together for a purpose. I am so glad you went. I think that it was such a touching thing and I know that it helped you as much as it did others.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jann