TRAVERSE CITY -- It was a night of very raw emotions at the open space in Traverse City. Hundreds of people came together for a prayer vigil to honor the life and loss of 16 year old Carly Lewis Wednesday.
Many came, saying they were here looking for answers; not what happened to Carly, but rather why. They came together searching for support from one another, hoping to find familiar emotions in the faces of strangers.
They held out hope for 12 days of searching that the disappearance of Carly would end with her return. That Carly would have a story to tell when she should up safe and sound. But her untold story turned into a tragedy, and many of the hopes these friends and strangers felt faded into reality.
Many who came to offer a prayer and a tear never met Carly. The first time they saw her was on a missing person's poster. Others were lifelong friends who imagine that bond would last far longer. They said they came to reassure themselves that they are not alone in feeling the way they do. Scanning the crowd for someone who felt the same way, some were confused, others angry, but all dealing with a tremendous sense of loss; a loss of Carly and the loss of the hope that burned brightly only to dim.
Strangers before tonight, they came here one by one to stand side by side, as if to talk to Carly and her family. To let the teenager know that she will be missed, and to let her family know just how much they care. To see the powerful images of the vigil, please watch the video.
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Carly Lewis
Visitation will take place:
Saturday, June 18, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkoff Funeral Home
The funeral service will take place:
West Side Community Church
Monday, June 20, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
The family is asking memorial contributions be made to the Cherryland Humane Society.
