Tonight is a very special night in my small town. Tonight we remember and honor three beautiful woman that were so cruelly taken from us during a tragic home invasion last July. Our community of just under 30,000 (I know that is small to some and large to others!) has come together for a wonderful event called Lights of Hope. Over the course of the last several months, luminary kits were purchased by just about everyone in our community. The money raised went directly to a fund in the Petit Family name. Tonight is the night we place our luminaries along our streets and light the night with hope. It is truly a breathtaking and hope filled thing to witness. I took a walk along several streets and Jeff and I just came back from driving around town. It is truly a site to see. My limited photography skills do not begin to capture this amazing site. If you are interested in more information, visit this link.
This is my neighbor lighting his luminaries.
Dusk begins to fall and the true beauty begins to take shape.
This is a really bad shot as we were driving but it is a beautiful display of lights spelling out HOPE. It is best viewed from the sky so we'll have to watch the news tonight to catch a glimpse!
More action shots as we were driving. The Town green is lined with light and the church was ringing its bells in remembrance.
Our Town Christmas tree is still shining bright.
I think I was drunk when I took this crooked photo - just kidding! We have three candles in our window in memory of Jennifer, Hayley, and Michaela. 
As darkness sets in, all of the streets are lined with hope.
To the Petit Family - we will always support and love you. To Jennifer, Hayley, and Michaela - we will never forget and we will honor you always.
27 comments:
Oh Karla, what a sad, sad thing to happen.
The Lights of Hope is a wonderful fundraising event for MS - a cause that was supported by the Petit family.
Thanks for the links explaining the event.
Alison
what a touching way to begin a new year.
Karla, what a tragic thing to happen, but how wonderful for a whole community to remember these women. I just LOVE your banner (can't remember it I told you this before). I'll be looking forward to seeing your new creations in 2008!
I'm so sorry to hear that such a sad thing happened to the Petit family. I'll keep them in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. What a wonderful thing for your town to do in remembrance of those 3 beautiful girls.
I just found your blog tonight and wanted to stop by and say hello.
Happy New Year!
This is an amazing display. Your community (which seem LARGE to me) came together in the name of hope and remembrance. Simply touching.
Karla, so touching, and so beautiful :) You live in such an amazing supportive community. Jenn and Jacqui
That is so beautiful and sorrowful all at the same time. How lovely that the town came together and really showed their support! It really does make the world seem a bit smaller when people come together in the same spirit.
Karla- What a wonderful way to remember the Petits.
Hope all is well, have a good week~
Bristol
What a lovely tribute to live cut way too short. I am sure they were smiling down on all of you!
Karla,
That is truly a touching gesture by everyone in your community. What a wonderful town you must live in!
It is nice to see something inspiring come out of something so tragic. I love when communities pull together!
xo Britt
A very touching site to see. I am amazed your community did this.. I hope it helped in the healing process of those who lost these three women!! Thanks for sharing it!
How sad but how lovely that they are remebered.
May 2008 be a good year.
cd&m
http://catondarlingandmoore.typepad.com
Oh Karla,
What a sweet way to remember those ladies. I remember that story and was just horrified as I'm sure the whole country was. Way to close for home for you and your community though I'm sure.
Blessings,
Sandy
Hi Karla. I saw that on the Today show this morning. Such a sad, sad thing. It is great that something wonderful has come out of this tragedy.
Hugs,
Penny
What a beautiful thing for a community to do to honour the women. Very special.
I am not doing the back of my recipe card, just hand wrote my name and web address on it. If I decorated it they would never get it in time!!! LOL
Rachael:)
Love the lights of hope.
Ya, funny your another Karla. I'm a twin and her name is Karen. So, my mom really got creative with keeping the first three letters the same. : }
Nice to meet you,
G'day,
Karla
I saw this story on the Today Show this morning-what an outpouring of love and support by your community. My heart aches for Mr. Petit.
~Joyce
Wow...what a wonderful, beautiful tribute...thank you for taking the time to share this story!
smiles, kari & kijsa
Hi Karla,
I can't even begin to tell you how sad this made me. What a horrible thing to have happened to this family. I think that the Lights of Hope is the most amazing way to show how much you all care. I feel so sad for the Petit Family even though I do not know them. I will keep them in my prayers. God will never give you more than you can bare.
Warm good wishes,
Janet Bernasoni
What a tragic ending for the girls... so wonderful that the town got together in memory of them. The town looks magical shining through all that light.
I've always loved the look of luminaries throughout a neighborhood. What a great cause.
Karla...What a wonderful gesture your town has made in their memory!
What a tragedy for the Petit family...
Priscilla
Oh Karla,
How sad but what a lovely tribute to these ladies. I'm at a loss for words...
That is such a tragic story but I really love how your whole community came together in remembering these ladies. Thanks for sharing. Very touching!
Beautiful photos.
I well remember this horrible event. What a beautiful way to remember these dear people. To turn a tragedy into something wonderful is so heartwarming. The best of the human
spirit.
Love and hugs,
Sue
(Who adores your tiny dancers!!)
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