Lemont Teen's Mom: 'My Heart Bubbled Over' at Community Support after Daughter's Death

—The following is a letter of thanks submitted by Amy Turner, mother of Lexi Turner. Amy wanted to express her gratitude to the Lemont community.

My daughter, Lexi Turner, was struck by a train in a tragic accident on Wednesday, September 2 near downtown Lemont. She was in her senior year at Lemont High School.

The outpouring of concern, help and action by so many people has been truly heartwarming. Though I am doing my best to thank people in person, it is not practically possible to reach everybody. In addition, I am sure there are many, many people who have positively contributed, that I am not even aware of. I have decided to write this letter as a way to thank all of you. Those people I have missed thanking in person should be aware that it is not because I do not appreciate what you have done. I do, I do. From the bottom of my heart.

The policemen at the scene who came to my house had a difficult job to do, but they did it with much compassion and sympathy. One tremendous burden was lifted from my mind when they gently told me all the indications and interviews pointed to this being truly an accident. Thank you so much for that.

The emails, facebook remarks, and calls from friends, near and far, old and new, kept coming. Some friends even dropped everything to come from distant cities to be with me. Wow.

A number of Lemont businesses pitched in with help on the food, drink, and flowers that were used in the many related activities regarding Lexi. I know that Buona Beef, Gelsosomo’s Pizza, and Petal Play Design florist were involved via donations/discounts of goods provided. If there are others that selflessly provided goods and services, I hope God rewards you too somehow. Thanks to all of you.

Pastor Dave Richa and his people from the Community Christian Church provided many services to us and the community during this period, including a venue for the Memorial Service on Labor Day. The Service itself was beautifully organized and executed. Thanks Pastor Dave and all those who helped him set up the Service and the after-Service gathering with food and refreshments (including clean-up).

The Calvary Church also reached out to me, and I appreciate what they did too.

I cannot say enough about the Lemont High School students and those staff members and parents who freely gave of their time and efforts. The prayer vigil on Friday night at the high school was something to behold. The floral bouquets, candle displays, message boards, message laden helium balloons, and the candle lit lantern released toward heaven were truly inspiring. Lexi’s tennis teammates (wearing specially made T-shirts for the occasion) pushed bright yellow tennis balls into the fence around the tennis courts to spell LEXI, followed by a heart sign. What a great idea! Lexi’s east coast relatives who arrived in town the next day, shed a tear when they saw it still there. Someone had to organize all of this. I know the tennis coach and the Grief Counselor were involved, but I do not know who else. There had to be many more. A big pat on the back from me.

The very close high school friends who prepared and read their surprisingly detailed memories of Lexi at the Memorial Service were sweet, grieving, touching, humorous and real, all at the same time. What a great job, girls. I will never forget that.

My heart bubbled over, when I saw that friends, relatives and schoolmates (along with many of their parents) filled the Memorial Service venue to overflowing for my Lexi. Some people came to comfort me who said they did not know me or anyone in our family, but wanted to express their sorrow. Thanks to all who were there and gave me words of comfort and encouragement.

My siblings, other family members, and our extended family helped in more ways then I can describe in this limited space. I thank God for them every day.

One of the speakers at the Memorial Service, my father, thought he knew why God wanted Lexi, and wanted her right now. Dad’s declared opinion was that God badly needed another special assistant angel, one with legal and debating skills. This assistant examines and prioritizes earthly requests, and makes pleas to God accordingly as He decides which requests should be granted. Lexi fits the bill perfectly, and is to be assigned to act on behalf of this community plus all of Lexi’s earthly family and friends, wherever they are. That sounds good to me.

Please feel free to request her services. Angel Lexi is already “in business”. If you need a description of what she looks like now, she is the angel with a beautiful face, green wings (her favorite color) and a sea turtle printed robe (her favorite animal). I have no doubt she will do a great job for you. I’ll put in a good word.

With sincere appreciation to all,

Amy Persak Turner

Lemont, IL