Wasilla woman hopes to ‘Light the Sky for David’

WASILLA — "I never met David or his family but the loss of a child is something we all feel. I was hoping to encourage the nation to release a candle, balloon, or leave a porch light on for the Grunwalds on the day before they will need it the most to show our support, love and understanding of the changing of their lives. Rest in peace David."

Those sentences were pulled off a Facebook page "Light the Sky for David" hosted by Wasilla resident Stacey Hamm. Hamm's hope is to have as many people as possible help celebrate the life of 16-year old David Grunwald of Palmer. Grunwald was murdered Nov. 13.

The idea is self-explanatory and as of Friday morning, the post had been shared almost 1,500 times. Additionally, almost 500 people said they plan to participate in the event scheduled for Saturday. An additional 500-plus people have expressed interest in participating. Hamm said Grundwald's grandmother came up with the idea of breaking down the event by time zones across the country because people were contacting her.

Although she’s neither a Grunwald family member or acquaintance, Hamm said she has family who knew David. She said, to her knowledge, the family is aware of the event. Further, Hamm said she has received negative messages from people for planning the event. At the same time, there have been many positive and encouraging posts on the Facebook page itself.

"They didn't ask me to shut it down. (I wish people would) stop private messaging me being rude," Hamm said. "I just want his friends and family to know exactly how many people are here to listen if they need us."

Ham said locally, and across Alaska, those wishing to participate should do so at 5 p.m. Moving eastward across North America, add one hour in each time zone. For instance, those living in the Pacific Time Zone should start at 6 p.m., 9 p.m. (EST). That will still make the starting time for everyone.

Hamm said people are lighting Chinese lanterns, candles, even turning on porch lights to help honor Grunwald's memory.

"This all happened so close to the holidays," Hamm said. She explained a young friend of the family basically shut down upon learning of Grunwald's murder.

"She wouldn't say anything. I think kids that knew David have not fully accepted it yet,” Hamm said. “The real kicker for me is how many kids may not have an outlet to express (grief)."

Posts from those planning to mark the event have come from as far as Maine, North Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Ontario, Canada, New York, Kansas, Idaho, Wyoming, Ohio, and of course, across the State of Alaska.

Hamm is asking those who choose to participate to record how they marked the occasion.

"It would be great if people would take pictures and videos and send them to me so we can post them on Facebook," Hamm said. "I would like make an album of everything and give it to the family."

More information on the event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/1227127647353514/?active_tab=discussion.