Surrounded by houses in various stages of rebuilding, the signs with messages like, “One day at a time,” felt especially poignant in Louisville.
Several dozen community members came out for the Walk to Heal on Sunday at the Louisville Community and Senior Center. Sponsored by Avista Adventist Hospital, the 0.6 mile walking course was accompanied by messages of hope and healing for the community as the one year mark of the Marshall fire approaches.
Avista CEO John Sackett noted the significance of the walk as another step in healing from that devastation.
“There’s been healing that’s been taking place for quite some time,” he said. “It’s important for us to be a part of that.”
The flames of the fire that erupted Dec. 30, 2021 nearly burnt down the hospital and recreation center. The fire burned down over 1,000 homes, including several in sight of Sunday’s walk.
Signs from Avista shared along the short walking course shared messages like, “We love 80027," "We are here for you," and "This too shall pass."
“You all showed a tremendous amount of support for us,” Sackett said to the walkers. “We want to do the same for everyone. This community continues to be in our thoughts and our prayers. It’s just truly an honor for us to be here.”
Attendees were also able to take home various mementos including peace lilies, Christmas ornaments, knitted goods and holdable hearts and crosses.
