18 Heartfelt Handmade ‘Rest Spots’ Honoring the Victims of the Lewiston, Maine, Shooting
A dear friend of mine, who leads Lewiston's Store Next Door Project, Jamie, supporting homeless youth, sent me a photo that struck me straight to the core.
As we all know, today is the one-year anniversary of the Lewiston, Maine, mass shooting where 18 innocent lives were taken from us.
The moment I laid eyes on the images she sent, a strong surge of emotion ran through my heart, and I felt tears welling up.
I have no doubt you’ll experience the same when you see what Kaydenz Kitchen has created at the Warming Center in Lewiston.
Kaydenz Kitchen Food Pantry posted these photos on Facebook sharing in part,
"Today is the 1st Anniversary of the tragedy and we wanted to do something to show our respect to all of the lives lost that day. The new resources this facility will provide, to our most vulnerable community members, will save lives for years to come!
In Memory of the 18 lives lost that day, We have set up 18 "Warming Center Rest Spots" in the parking lot.These dedicated spots will stay up all day tomorrow. Each spot has one of the victim's intials, a carpet square, a floor mat, sleeping bag, a homemade quilt from our quilting angel, small flower pot, and a burning flame that will be lit this evening. Each spot represents a life lost, but also represents a life saved! The sun came up at the perfect time this morning to shed some light on the day!
Please feel free to stop by during the day to pay your respects or drop off a flower! We will be lighting the candles at sunset and letting them burn out."
What they created was beautiful with 18 "rest spots" dedicated to each victim.
Originally the site of the tragic shooting at Schemegees, 551 Lincoln Street is now the Warming Center, which has transformed into a place of remembrance on October 25, 2024.
Today, their doors are open to the public to invite any affected by that horrific day. It'll be a time to gather in a tangible place to mourn their loved ones.
This is a moment for love, where people can just be together in their shared grief.
Finding comfort in one another during such a challenging time is so important. This is a beautiful tribute to those we lost.
Today we are reminded of the power of connection after such deep loss.
Thousands Attend Powerful Lewiston Vigil
Gallery Credit: Lizzy Snyder