On Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002, a quiet and respectful candlelight vigil took place in Clearwater, in memory of Lisa McPherson. Present were myself and "Charlie." Others were there in spirit, I know many wanted to be there but for many reasons could not attend.

The vigil lasted from about 6:30 pm until about 8:20 pm. We were on the corner of Osceola and Pierce Streets, which had significant road and foot traffic due to road detours from construction in the area, as well as a large function taking place at the Baptist church adjacent to Clearwater's city hall.

I noticed that I was being watched by a person stationed on the 2nd floor balcony of the Ft. Harrison for the entire time I was standing alone on the corner. After Charlie arrived, the person on the balcony seemed to be busy on the cell phone, and was soon joined by two others.

I was more than a little amazed at this obvious over-reaction to two people with candles.

As the intent of this vigil was to honor Lisa and not to make a scene or statement, we had no signs and handed out no fliers.

We concluded with a walk up the sidewalk and back again across the street on the West side of the Ft. Harrison. We had discussed that as being the last thing to do before ending the vigil, and as we talked at the corner after the walk, both of our candles were blown out by the wind. We took that as a good omen and ended the vigil.

MK

From: idaj007@aol.com (IDA J 007)
Date: 08 Dec 2002 07:14:49 GMT
Subject: Re: Candlelight vigil in memory of Lisa McPherson, Clearwater, FL
Message-ID: <20021208021449.03939.00000012@mb-da.aol.com>

Thanks for your report Mike. Yes, there were many there with you and Charlie though we were far away. My heart was there with you two paying respect to the memory of that beautiful girl. As the clock changed time and brough dusk here on the west coast, my thoughts moved up to the Celebrity Center where another group were honoring her memory . Ironically those who she had trusted in her lifetime were celebrating within the Center as they were here at the Golden Era Studios on Gilman Springs Road. I wonder if any one of them remembered Lisa tonight. Did they remember how diligently she worked for eighteen years thinking she was "saving the world"? I wonder if they remembered how her mother must have been planning for her return home and then the shock of hearing she had suffered such an untimely death?

Oh yes, there were many many of us who were there in spirit and we will remember Lisa throughout the year.

Thank each one of you who held a candle in her memory.

Ida J. Camburn

http://www.whyaretheydead.net

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