37 trees

PALMER — It’s been one year since David Grunwald was murdered. His fellow teens, Erick Almandinger, Bradley Renfro, Austin Barrett, Dominic Johnson, and Devin Peterson are all awaiting trial. As the wheel of Alaska justice continues to churn slowly, David’s parents face their second Christmas without him. According to his mother, Edie and father, Ben, time does not subdue the pain and it doesn’t get any easier. In fact, they say, “it gets worse.”

To commemorate David’s memory, two spruce trees were planted in front of Colony High School, the place he would be graduating from this year. On Tuesday, a few dozen members of the community gathered at Colony to lend support to the surviving parents.

“We’re just here for comfort and compassion. I’m just excited about how much of the Valley is coming together for David and his parents,” said Valley Baptist Tabernacle Pastor, Michael Hull.

Inside the Colony High School entrance, a group of people stood around a table with assorted takeaways. Some people were wearing black “Justice for David” hoodies. There were many hugs and teary eyes mixed with laughs and stories about David as people poured in. Once it looked like everyone who was going to show up was there, Edie welcomed everyone. She informed the crowd that there were stickers and wristbands honoring David that were free to take home. There were lanterns donated from the Light up the Sky event from last Christmas Eve, also free to take home. Edie individually wrapped a huge mound of cookies and cupcakes to give away. Throughout the evening, Ben told people to “grab three cupcakes.” Before venturing outside to look at the two trees, Hull led a group prayer. He prayed for continued strength and love for the Grunwald family as they made their way through the holidays. Everyone went outside and stood around the two trees planted adjacent from each other, near entrance.

“They’re holding up pretty good, so far,” said Colony High School Principal, Brendon Mcmahon.

Edie said that the trees are there to “spruce the school up a bit.” She said that white and blue spruce trees are hardy species and will easily withstand the infamous Palmer winds.

“I expect these trees to grow big and strong,” Edie said.

Recently, one of David’s former teachers handed Edie a homework assignment. It was David’s New Year’s resolutions. Among his goals in 2017 was to plant 37 orange trees. David schemed to plant them in the backyard.

“He was always silly like that,” Edie laughed.

Edie said that she plans to plant 37 trees for David. While they won’t be orange trees, she was sure David would be pleased by her efforts all the same. Edie’s other efforts include running for lieutenant governor for the state of Alaska.

“David’s not the only one, everyday someone goes missing,” Hull said.

Edie’s platform will be built on a “tough on crime” policy, particularly for low-level offenses, which she believes could intervene and stint future cases like her son’s murder. She said that David would be happy to see his mother pursuing a career in politics because always liked history and government.

“He loved that stuff,” Edie said.

“Memories” on Facebook keep popping up in Edie’s notifications. Posts from the past haunt her as she faces the future. The pain of her loss continues to grow instead of healing with time. She said it gets “harder and harder” and she gets “madder and madder” at David’s at the teens accused of her son’s murder.

“It’s incomprehensible that people could do something like this,” Edie said.

As people took their leave, each and every passerby embraced Edie. Most of them teared up and one had to choke down her sob and said, “sorry.” Edie replied, “no, it’s OK.” Outside, Edie’s hugs lasted long and the cold wind amplified already watery eyes.

“You guys are awesome,” one person said as he left.

Inside, Ben’s hurt and outrage for his son’s senseless death was apparent as he balanced mingling and grieving. He kept telling people to “grab three cupcakes.” He said this crime “should never fade away.”

“It should have never happened — period,” Ben said.

He said that so many people were affected by his son’s death. While it was good to have the support of his friends and surrounding community, the reality still strung as he reflected on David’s would be milestones that will never be. He said that by now, he would have his pilot’s license. During David’s last two “touch and go’s,” he flew the plane all on his own; the pilot let him take the wheel. Both of David’s parents continue to remark how bright their son was. He had a strong interest in engineering and computers. Ben said that he had a full stock portfolio.

“I remember walking up to him every morning at the lockers. He was always talking about stocks,” said one of David’s friends, D'nayla Alston.

A few years ago, David escorted Alston to a military ball. She will graduate from Colony High School this year. One woman wearing a “Justice for David” hoodie told Edie she was “very strong.” She also told her she planned to light up her lantern for David on New Year’s Eve. Edie hoped it wouldn’t be as windy on New Year’s Eve as it was today.

“You just have to make sure the candle stays lit,” the woman said.

There is a Facebook group called Justice for David that not only shares moments this tree ceremony, but also contains updates about the upcoming trials for the accused teens. Peterson will be tried for tampering & hindering on Dec. 14. Almandinger is scheduled be tried for murder on Dec. 18. Johnson, Barrett, Renfro will be tried separately on Dec. 19.