On October 1, 2017, five women who were strangers to each other attended the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas. After surviving the tragic mass shooting that took place during the event, Cheryl Ast, Sue Ann Cornwell, Alicia Mierke, Sue Nelson, and Edie Wood found solace in each other’s company. Sue Nelson, a resident of Lake Havasu, Arizona, shared that they first connected at the healing garden, where 58 trees were planted in memory of the victims who lost their lives.
The five friends recently visited an exhibit at the Clark County Government Center that was dedicated to honoring the events of October 1. Cheryl Ast, who came all the way from Calgary, Canada, expressed how meeting her fellow survivors at the healing garden provided her with a sense of support and importance that she was missing back home. She described the healing garden as her sanctuary, where she could paint rocks, express her emotions, and feel heard.
While the healing garden serves as a place for remembrance and healing for the victims and survivors, a new memorial is being planned to honor everyone affected by the tragedy, including first responders. The memorial’s design, created by JCJ Architecture, was showcased in a glass case at the exhibit. Visitors also had the opportunity to view artwork dedicated to the victims, along with artifacts left in their memory, such as a cowboy hat, an unopened beer can, and a poker chip.
The exhibit included a display of small pink and blue metal angels surrounding a plaque with the names of the 58 souls who lost their lives that day. Eric Kimbrough, who was visiting the exhibit with his wife, Maureen Kimbrough, shared how the little angels caught their attention as they were leaving the gallery. Sue Cornwell emphasized the importance of taking the time to view the exhibit, as it is a part of history that should not be forgotten.
As survivors gathered at the exhibit, they reflected on the events of that fateful night and the support they found in each other. They shared stories of strangers helping one another during the chaos and expressed gratitude for the heroes who stepped in to protect them. The survivors have formed a close bond, considering themselves a family who find comfort in each other’s presence.
Returning to Las Vegas holds a special significance for Edie Wood, whose eyes filled with tears as she spoke about the impact of being back in the city. Alicia Mierke highlighted the mix of emotions that come with reuniting with fellow survivors each year around October 1, acknowledging the moments of peace and reflection that arise unexpectedly.
The survivors’ shared experiences have created a unique bond that transcends words. They find solace in the small gestures of support and understanding that they exchange, knowing that only they can truly comprehend the depth of their shared trauma. As they continue to honor the memory of the victims and support one another, their resilience and unity serve as a testament to the healing power of community in the face of tragedy.
For more information, you can contact Estelle Atkinson at eatkinson@reviewjournal.com or follow her on social media for updates.