Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Wear Yellow for Chelsea

As I am sure most of you may know, they found the body of Chelsea today. Our entire community is heartbroken and our prayers go out to her family and all of her friends. My niece was a close friend of hers and they were peer counselors together. One of the young girls at church that I have a great friendship with was also her good friend. They had been on the same track team together for three years and often ran together. I had just stopped by her house to check on how she was doing when the news broke that no one wanted to hear.

The kids at her school had organized different colors to wear each day to represent different qualities of Chelsea. Friday is Wear Yellow Day and the push is on to keep this symbol of the light she brought to everyone. So no matter where you are, near or far lets all try to wear yellow on Friday in Chelsea's honor.

19 comments:

Kelsey said...

I like this picture, especially where it says "Bring Chelsea home." It worked, she's home now.

Michelle Q said...

My heart breaks for this family and for your community. But my spirit (and I'm sure Chelsea's) soar because of the outpour of love from your community. I'm north of you guys in Orange County, but I'll definitely be wearing my (new from M&O - tee hee!) yellow cardigan this Friday.

dinagideon said...

I have zero problems wearing yellow on Friday for this sweet girl...would you do a follow-up post on Thursday reminding us again? :) (Sometimes my brain doesn't hold info for as long as I would like--little toddlers and all!)

My prayers go out to her family, your neice, and your community.

JulieStyles said...

How awful! I've been keeping up with the story since reading your post a few days ago. It sounds like she was an amazing girl who made such a positive impact in the world in her short, impressive life. I'm so saddened that she was taken soon. My thoughts and prayers are with your community.

None said...

This is so sad. I'm sorry for this poor girl, her friends and family. I don't think I have anything yellow, but I'll look around.

Pamela said...

I was just sick when I heard this. I think of my neices when I hear these types of stories and it makes me want to give them big hugs.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone.

Peggy said...

so sad. Praying for everyone.

Anonymous said...

So awful :( Prayers go out to her family. Hope she is now at peace.

amy kelinda said...

What a terrible thing to happen! It breaks my heart that she was taken so soon and I hope that her family and all the lives that she's touched will heal in time. RIP, Chelsea.

Anonymous said...

I'm so, so sorry. I have a little, blue-eyed, blond girl we refer to as our angel. Looking at Chelsea's pic gets me choked up. I keep looking at my little one. I cannot even fathom the pain Chelsea's family is feeling. Since having kids, it's been my absolute worst nightmare. I fear what's happened to Chelsea more so than even a childhood illness. I, too, agree with that teacher's quote that the kids don't feel safe anymore. It's just so horrible. My stomach is churning and since I read your post, I've been following the story. I hope her friends and family can find peace, though I'm certain it's going to take a long time for the pain to lessen. Again, I'm so sorry. I will keep her family and friends in my prayers. May Chelsea rest in peace.

Handbags*and*Pigtails said...

As your anonymous poster said above, its every parents worst nightmare. Makes me hug my two little girls more often and with a tighter squeeze. I cant imagine the grief they are going through. One thing that could be considered positive is that they know...my heart breaks even more when a child or any person goes missing and then is never found. Now Chelsea's family can move forward having had closure. But again, my heart goes out to them and everyone in your community. Much sadness and heartache is surely all around.
R.I.P. in the arms of Jesus sweet girl
Sarah

Margaret said...

That's horrible. I'm so sorry!

Nicole said...

I'll be wearing yellow this Friday.

HeidiG said...

I will definitely wear yellow this Friday.

This is such an awful thing to happen - I feel for her family and all of you in your community. Thoughts and prayers with all of you.

Alexis {J.Crew Aficionada} said...

Terrible ending. Awful just awful what happened to such a beautiful, young, vibrant woman. My sympathy to you, your community, and for her family.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers to everyone whose lives were touched by Chelsea. I cannot even fathom the pain, but it's a reminder to live life appreciating the people around you. I hope everyone hugs their families tonight, especially your kids.

RunningOnCoffee said...

Such a sad ending... I read this guy had been in jail previously for molesting a 13 year old in 2000. I hope he doesn't get out this time.

C said...

I have followed this story and it is the worst. I feel so bad for her parents and brother and for the other victims and Amber/her parents. Unreal that Gardiner was free. Really a sobering commentary on safety in the modern world.

Awakening my Wardrobe said...

Just saw the link to this post on Head to toe with Heidi. I will be wearing yellow today in Chelsea's honor. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and community. I think the imagery of yellow and sunshine is beautiful and reflects her spirit.