MECHANIC FALLS, Maine — They say hard times bring out true colors, and Mechanic Falls is full of them. Just over a week since two children and their mother were found dead at a home, hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember the lives that were cut short.
"My heart feels full. It gives us so much hope knowing we're not alone; we're all here together," said parent and community member Jen Fogg.
Described as a small community, the turnout at the Elm Street School on Sunday night proves loss has a big impact.
"When one person is affected in our town, this whole town is going to come together," Fogg said.
In this case, it wasn't just one person affected, but three. Harmony and Hope West were the girls found dead in their home on Highland Avenue, along with their mother, Jennifer Barney.
"It's such a big shock. No one expected this," Alexandria Shaw, who helped organize the vigil, said. "I didn't even know this woman. I just know her kids went to school with my kids, and that is enough for me."
People from all across town gathered in front of the school the girls attended, with the children who stood by their side.
"Hope did hug a lot," said one of them.
Many of the kids described 7-year-old classmate Hope West as a hugger, and her 11-year-old Harmony as a leader. As they shared their memories, it was clear the students were still adjusting to the loss.
"Us adults are grieving, but our kids don't understand. They want answers we don't have," Fogg explained.
The answers adults do have don't exactly provide the closure kids are looking for. Mechanic Falls police said Harmony and Hope died by homicide. Their mother died by what officials have tentatively ruled a suicide, but an official determination has yet to be released.
"I can't wrap my head around what those children must've been feeling," Fogg said.
Even if she could understand, she said she wouldn't try to because, for her and most others, the night was about accepting the things they can't change and finding closure elsewhere by looking forward.
"We are dropping the ball on these kids, and we need to stand tall and say we're here. If you need to talk to somebody, we're here," Fogg added.
Through hugs, tears, and fond memories, the Mechanic Falls community showed that support for one another, while also remembering those lost—not for their tragic end, but for the way they lived—one candle at a time.
"We may not be blood, but we're all family," Fogg said.