An Open letter and Prayer for Charles Eimers and His Family

Dear Charles,

A year ago today you came to our little island city. I did not know you personally, but like many of us, you dreamed of living in a tropical paradise…To wear flip-flops and T-shirts in January, soak up the sun on a beach and maybe even make friends back home in the north a little bit jealous. Many of us happy, long time citizens of Key West got here just like you; alone, with not much money, but a dream that we could carve out a little piece of paradise for ourselves and live among Key West’s “One Human Family”.

We are here tonight trying to make sense of your tragic passing on this beach where you might have wiggled your toes in the sand instead of losing your life in it. Many of us are confused and angered by this senseless loss of life, but we didn’t gather here tonight to express anger. We are called here by the much stronger principle of love. Love is the common thread that weaves through us all. Without love; family, friends and community could not exist. Every spiritual leader and prophet throughout history has love at the center of their tenets. Martin Luther King tells us, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. (and) Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” So tonight we are driving out the darkness with the light of candles and driving out the hate with our love for you and your family.

Charles, I pray truth will prevail and that your family will find peace and acceptance. I pray that someday they can celebrate Thanksgiving Day and not have to relive this tragedy over and over again. I pray for the people gathered here and all of us that we never have to experience what you and your family have experienced. I pray that we can all live with compassion and empathy for all those we come in contact with and realize that we really are one human family. God bless you and your family and God bless us all.

Alex Symington