[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]In the hopes that this letter will give all of you who could not attend a glimpse into what the 1000 Lights of Hope Ceremony was like, and as a personal thank you from myself for all of your support in making Audrey's 1000th day missing a bit brighter for her family and friends.
~Thank you all so much~
It was a day like no other...With the help of newfound friend, Josie, (who I wish I met 3 years ago-She ran her tail off with the rest of us trying to get things done for this event...), Chris, Audrey's step-Mom, Jeanie, My son, Justin, Maria, Katie Z., Jim Viola & son, Michael & my daughter, Katie...arrived 3 hours early to set up the amazing display of over 2,000 candle of Hope sent from around the world...
Imagine if you can, the beauty of the flame from a candle...it lights the way, when there is darkness. Imagine if you can, the sight of over 2,000 candles lit in Hopes of a friend who cannot seem to find her way home to all those who love & miss her.
I need not imagine for I saw & felt the warmth, strength & Hope from these lights.
There were many of you here, from this board, along with hundreds more from around the world that made surviving yet another day, the thousandth day without knowing what happened to my friend, Audrey, possible.
The amazement in her little boys eyes as the flames flickered & led all who attended to her remembrance bench was heartbreaking & bittersweet...to watch both Quinn & Lillil Katie scurry through to pick out candles for their Mommie to bring home with them was a feeling no words could describe. For their innocence keeps them in that "comfort" zone that as time goes by will dissipate into the lingering knowledge we as adults know the harder version of what it truly means that their Mommie is missing. I thank God, they have not reached that & pray that they do not have to in hopes that we find her first.
Aud's eldest, Sonsia, was & is an amazing heart in search of her Mother & was truly showing her strength as she always does...just like her Mom.
Aud's sister-in-law, Michelle read a heart wrenching dedication poem for 3 solar lights that each of Audrey's children put near the bench...a symbol of an "eternal flame." A symbol of Faith, Hope & Love.
Longtime friend, Corrina, read an amazing poem written by my good friend Maria...through tears...Maria~ You are my backbone, my strength & my best friend to whom through all of this have remained steady right along with me...
I was especially warmed by the show of support for not only Aud but of the families of others missing as we displayed the many candles sent by these families sharing our same heartbreak. Those in attendance read & saw each & I reminded them as I spoke the words Sarah Teague, mother of missing Heather, sent to us...you could see in their eyes...the empathy & shock, for lack of a better word, that so many more remain missing.
Audrey's family, all in attendance, were I believe, very thankful of all the love & support sent, all were amazed as well, with the lighting of these candles for Audrey. We needed this. It becomes much harder as each day passes with no word. Hope tends to fade & these lights, lights sent from around the globe, brought back to all of us that Hope. That hope that is so desperately clung to by each of us.
Many families conveyed their wish to be with us & we were comforted by each knowing that we, in lighting these candles for their loved ones, share their loss with them as they do with ours...Mary & Doug Lyall, Suzie's parents made special efforts after attending the Bike Ride for Missing Children, to join us. They are two amazing pillars of strength. After my daughter read a piece of history on Eaton Patz they helped the children in attendance in lighting a special display of candles in honor of upcoming National Missing Children's Day, as their Suzie falls under that of still being considered a child. Each candle in the display was a child missing here in NY. The display was made by my good friend, Maria...It was beautiful. Jim Viola, Patricia's husband, drove in with their son, Michael from NJ...he arrived early (as usual) to lend his hand in the setting up of the pathway & display. Shooting video for us & just being there with us once again...He truly keeps me going when I get down...he always supports everything we do. He has become a true friend within our tragedies. As the vigil began, my heart was pounding as my good friend, Louise seemed lost in White Hall NY somewhere...She giving us our first light of hope for Audrey & for her dear nephew, Lorne, was to light that candle...Louise, although running late due to attending Timothy Young's funeral stayed her course & arrived just after the lighting but I was so very glad to see her. Hugs from her are just the best...She brought with her, for me, a gift which brought me to tears. A beautiful stained glass candle holder in the color of lavender~ my own light of hope...and a "Beanie Bear" holding lavender flowers & a wonderful card--For a Good friend~...Through the search for my friend, I have been given the gift of new friends...who, in Audrey's absence have kept me going...You all know who you are...
We re-lit candles for her & then with all the kids in hand, her boys, my Katie, Aud's Sonsia & a friend, Priscilla went to the local diner...As we sat there remembering each, Lorne & Audrey through the eyes of the children telling their memories of certain events each had...I watched...Sonsia looks more each day like Audrey & I can't help but feel guilty she is missing out on the laughter & amazement that comes with each visit I have with her...She should be there...like old times after a day of shopping or a movie...
I want each of you to know that what you did for Audrey & her family as well as myself will not soon be forgotten...the feeling of Hope given will remain in my heart as we continue our search to bring Aud home...God Bless each one of you...
Searching for Audrey...Marie
Please check site as more photos will be added from the vigil...
PS The next event is 3rd Annual Riding For Audrey! Also, if anyone is interested, we are selling "Bands of Hope & Remembrance...For Audrey"...Details posted on site how to purchase one.
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