I had been out on my daily walk, approaching the Town Common and saw folks putting out purple flags. Remembered that International Overdose Awareness Day - Aug 31 was going to be celebrated with a vigil and prayers here later today. As I got closer I recognized Jim Derick and asked if he needed a hand. He did and pointed me to the box of flags.
I got busy spreading them out.
2104. Two thousand, one hundred and four.
Say that slowly. Let the number sink in. That is the number of MA residents who left us during 2020 due to an overdose. Recall a couple of years ago, the prevalence of the #2069 signs. While there is more help available today, the struggle is real.
I did go back to the Town Common for 6:30 PM
Jen Knight-Levine and Jim Derick opened the gathering welcoming the 70-80 folks who showed up.
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| Jen Knight-Levine and Jim Derick opened the gathering welcoming the 70-80 folks who showed up |
Rev Kathy McAdams and Rev Eric Cherry provided a moment of reflection
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| Rev Kathy McAdams and Rev Eric Cherry jointly provided a moment of reflection |
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| Kathy Truitt told the story of her and her son's struggles |
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| a brief candle light walk on the Common to the Veterans Walkway for a final prayer |
For me, the one photo that tells the story of the evening and the constant struggle.
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| the one photo that tells the story of the evening and the constant struggle |
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| candlelight |
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
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| amazing grace |
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I heard of, once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true
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| balloon release |
Hello again,
We received an email of concern about Friday nights vigil and a wake happening at the same time down the street from the common for a loss in the McGrath family. Please be respectfully answering any concerns among your peers and remind others that the Vigil has evolved to bring strength and unity for this family and it is not being facilitated by the Neighbor Brigade. Below is the note sent to the concerned friend of the McGrath's and she was very positive in this response, Thank you :
Neighbor Brigade has passed on the info and is not the facilitator of this Vigil.
We are a group of community volunteers that are supporting the Monroe's in its right time because of our Mission.
I have received the info for the vigil from a friend of the family that we are connected with and she gave me permission and "encouraged me to spread the word".
It is my understanding that 3 women (names are not necessary) have invited this to happen as a community and they are from the Davis Thayer school where the children belonged.
I hope this helps and I also hope both families can be appropriately and respectfully able to mourn and be allowed opportunity to come together in unity to help these grieving families.
Lastly, I have not received any info about a need to help the McGrath family and just want to let you know that we are sorry for their loss. Neighbor Brigade is an available resource of volunteers who help families in day to day needs as they grieve and recover. Please feel free to ask us anymore questions or let me know if there is anything else we can help you with,
Sincerely,
Franklin Neighbor Brigade Leaders -- Linda Gagnon FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org www.neighborbrigade.org Like us on Facebook! |
