SACO — More than 100 people gathered Tuesday night by the RiverView apartment complex on Water Street to remember the Smith family, and to support each other in a time of mourning.
The vigil was held three days after police say Joel Smith shot his family and then himself, leaving him, his wife, and three children dead.
Good Shepherd Parish Deacon Kevin Jacques and Rev. Shirley Bowen of Seeds of Hope addressed the crowd near a memorial to the family, which is centered around a pink tricycle, where people have left flowers, stuffed animals, cards and balloons. Jacques, Bowen and other clergy were on hand after the vigil, ready for anyone who needed to talk.
“We don’t know why certain things happen in life,” said Jacques.
Tragic events like what happened to the Smith family make us aware of how fragile life is, he said. He led a moment of silence to remember the family.
“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure,” said Jacques.
Water Street resident Dellas Nason recalled the first time he met Joel Smith. Nason said he was carrying a washing machine into his apartment, and Smith asked him if he needed some help.
“The only thing he asked for that day was a beer and some friendship,” said Nason.
Nason described Heather and Joel Smith as the kind of people who, after you met them once, it was like you knew them your whole life. He recalled the kids skateboarding and hiding behind mailboxes to throw snowballs.
“I’m going to miss them,” he said.
His wife, Heather Nason, baby-sat the Smiths’ children, 12-year-old Jason Montez, 7-year-old Noah Montez and 4-year-old Lily Smith.
“They were just a great set of kids,” she said.
The couple, along with clergy, the mayor of Saco and a representative from Caring Unlimited urged people not to be afraid to ask for help in a crisis situation or dealing with the grief from the recent tragedy.
“Reach out if you need help,” said Mayor Don Pilon, on behalf of the city. “We’re here, and we’re there to support you.”
Dellas Nason said police officers had brochures with information on crisis support services.
“Don’t be ashamed to grab one of these,” said Nason, holding up a brochure in his hand. “I have one, too.”
Posted on a telephone pole was information on support services available the next day at local schools.
“It can be hard at times like this to know what to say,” said Emily Gormley, public awareness and community support coordinator for Caring Unlimited, a domestic violence resource center that serves York County.
She told those at the vigil that by coming together that evening, they were doing something, they were showing they care. Gormley said the agency has a 24-hour confidential hotline.
“Help is available,” she said.
Jacques asked people to please use the clergy and other sources of support available, so friends and neighbors don’t keep things bottled up inside.
“I’d like you to know that every single one of you is loved,” said Jacques.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].
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