That question of why is the haunting that will follow the ones closest to the victims for the remainder of their lives. Why can also leave a pretty big cloud in the mind of those who are trying to remember the great things and memories of those who were lost. What made them who they are? What were their passions? What light did they bring to the world and since it was taken away, should that light be forever extinguished or, should those who remember carry on with what they loved? There really is no right or wrong answer, everyone grieves in their own way, but for the Davis family who lost their son and brother Tommy, a big part of their healing is not only remembering Tommy, but honoring his memory by carrying out who he was, what he loved and supporting the community he was so proud to call home, Muskegon.
Tommy was a Mona Shores graduate. He LOVED basketball. When he completed his education he went to work at Mercy Health so he could continue his love for his community and help those who needed a hand and he loved his friends and family. One thing was more than clear in talking to his mom and brother...above all, his love for Muskegon was undeniable.
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| Tommy Davis Memorial Fund On Facebook |
After the family had a little time, they decided that what Tommy brought to the world was more than could be let go. So, they got themselves in the position to form a non profit organization to continue the memory of Tommy and to help that memory live on by supporting the things he loved! Basketball...let's set up a camp for K-6th grade to learn some skills and send them home with a basketball of their own and some other goodies. The $10 registration fee for the camp? Went right back to the basketball team at the school for their assistance in helping at the camp. Food. We all know that there are so many in Muskegon who are "food insecure". Let's get a food truck out here and feed 181 family members in remembrance. Leftovers? Muskegon Rescue Mission got them! In fact the food truck was so big and proved to have such an impact they are doing another on on December 19th at Nexxes Realty on Broadway in Roosevelt Park on December 19th. It's the very beginnings of exactly how we do things in Muskegon. It's friends and family leading by example and refusing to let someone's memory fade or good they brought into the world go away because of one violent act. This is how Muskegon builds community and it's a story we just love to tell.
I met up with Sherri and Eric Davis to learn more about Tommy and to find out how they are working, day in and day out to keep his light shining and to make sure that his love for Muskegon carries on even though he's not here any more. It's a pretty touching conversation with a couple of truly remarkable people. Take a listen.
What a gift it is to all of us to know that the strength and hope we have in our community is alive and well in people like the Davis family. This was not the easiest thing for them to do, and it's more than understandable....but to be a gift....in the face of loss...that is where true strength lies and that is were hope abounds. They never planned to be in this role, but to let the memory of their son and brother fade over the acts of another...that wasn't really in the plan either. Our most sincere thanks to the Davis family for coming on to tell their story and know, that we'll be following what goes on as their outreach grows over time. Do you wonder where miracles come from? They come from Muskegon Michigan and they come from families like Tommys'.
Please, click on the photo below and follow their website for more information on how you can help.
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