Wilbergers: 'We did not walk through the valley alone'
CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Everyone involved in trying to find Brooke Wilberger was invited to Corvallis Sunday to remember the search, an effort that turned a terrible time into a lesson of love.
The ceremony was full of immense amount of gratitude and thanks that one horrific tragedy could spark such an opposite reaction: a huge outpouring of love and kindness. The program included speakers and singers.
Five and a half years ago, they were tears of loss. At Sunday's ceremony, the tears shed were of gratitude.
As pictures of the search flashed in the background, one by one, speakers said they needed one last time to say goodbye and give thanks.
"All of them expressed a desire to gather again to remember a lovely young woman who helped us see the very best in ourselves," said Peggy Peirson of Benton County Search and Rescue.
"We never asked for donations, but they arrived daily," said one of the search coordinators.
Those are reasons to be grateful, said the speakers. There was no denying faith helped the Wilberger family and their faith inspired others to shower them with love.
"We have grown to love all of you," said Brooke's mom, Cammy Wilberger. "We did not walk through the valley alone."
So in the end, this tragedy sparked at least community to love each other more. That community is very big. All of the speakers, including Cammy Wilberger, said community doesn't just mean Corvallis. It means all of Oregon.
