Vigil honors Trinity West student
The Rev. Erik Hoeke of Avery United Methodist Church asks attendees of the Sunday vigil for Megan Wise to hold up their candles as symbols of the light of God and the hope it represents.
About 75 people gathered Sunday to pray and remember Megan Wise, 11, who died Thursday after an acute asthma attack.
Melissa Wise embraces her daughters, Mackenzie, 13, and Mary, 9, at a vigil for her daughter, Megan, who died Thursday.
Tears and laughs were shared Sunday evening as about 75 people in the Trinity West community gathered before the elementary school to pray and remember Megan Wise, 11, who died Thursday from an acute asthma attack.
Two Christmas trees were decorated on the spot, with one slated to stay inside the elementary school and brought out every year in Megan’s memory, while the other was donated by Target to the Wise family. Megan’s mother, Melissa, hugged her daughters as teachers, administrators and faith leaders gave vivid accounts of her life playing softball, drums and fooling around in class with friends.
“She was known as ‘the little secret weapon’ because of her tiny size that would fool opponents in softball and basketball,” said principal Gloria Nalepka, reading from her obituary.
“Friday was the hardest day I’ve ever had as an educator because I saw so much grief. But it so good to see you all here now, and remembering her,” Nalepka said.
Jodi Morris, one of the organizers of the vigil, said it was her daughter, Mia, who suggested doing something with trees in her classmate’s memory.
The Rev. Erik Hoeke of Avery United Methodist Church said this time of year is often difficult, as the dark days sometime coincide with real life.
“But these candles are symbols of God’s light; how his hope that comes through the darkness … And Megan’s final gift to us – her light – is bringing us all in this community closer together,” Hoeke said.