Area mourners share their memories of Wellstone
Some felt they needed to do something.
Others wanted to share stories.
About 60 people gathered Tuesday at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Brainerd to share memories of Sen. Paul Wellstone and to pay their respects.
Marcia Ferris of Brainerd said she felt that the Brainerd lakes area needed to do something for the Minnesota senator, his wife and daughter.
After the memorial, people lighted candles and sang songs such as, "Amazing Grace."
"The message I keep getting is, 'It's our turn,'" said Ferris. "His voice may be gone, but ours is not. ... The movement is not dead."
Brainerd resident Sara Dunlap, who has volunteered for Wellstone, said the senator was special to her. She said she would continue the fight for Paul and Sheila.
Kathy Nornberg of Pillager said the Wellstones were like family to her.
"Their character was infectious," she said. "There was no way you could be in the same room with them and not catch it."
Nornberg said the Wellstones supported the women's shelter in Brainerd. Sheila Wellstone visited the center to listen to the women and then would try to help them, said Nornberg.
"I still struggle that this has happened," said James Cohoes of Brainerd. "Somehow I felt like I owned Paul and Sheila and had faith they'd always be there ... I voted for Paul for one word and that was trust."
Roger Cooper of Emily said he regrets he never met Paul Wellstone.
"I have a great respect to share his memory and I envy those who got to meet Paul and Sheila face to face," he said.
The Rev. Deborah Celley, pastor of the First Congregational Church who led the memorial, asked residents to pick up a rock somewhere and keep it someplace special, such as on a dresser.
"So then when your children or grandchildren ask you what does this stone mean you can tell them about a man named Paul Wellstone and all that he stood for," she said.
Dorothy and Stanley Lundberg of Pequot Lakes also attended the memorial.
"It's a small thing to do," said Dorothy Lundberg. "It's a tough thing when you lose three members of a family."
Stanley Lundberg said he attended the memorial to share the memory of the family who made a difference.
Kathy Sauve of Backus said the memorial was a chance for all Minnesotans to come together to celebrate Wellstone's legacy.
Correction to this story.