Harley's memorial

I walked by the memorial at the corner of Pandora and Quadra Streets again today, where Harley died almost a week ago.
The memorial is ever-growing, filled with flowers, notes, candles, photographs, and more. It's a beautiful spot. Situated on a 'rough' corner in Victoria, it stands out because of the colors, the brightness that only love and flowers can bring about.

As the homeless community reacts in shock, anger and disbelief, there is this shining light, this gift that Harley has left us: the fact that it's known in the world that this person, this skinny, smiley 20-year old, was loved. Harley is not just another statistic, another homeless person killed on the street: she was someone's best friend, daughter, sister, cousin. She has become a symbol for those who haven't had a voice for all those years. People have had enough of the bullying, the pestering and lack of resources to change one's life around.

I hope this is the beginning of a new era. It's time to stop criminalizing the homeless, and time for reconciliation. It's a slow and long process, but we have to start somewhere.

In spite of the tragic circumstances surrounding her death, this is the legacy that Harley has left us, I'm happy she has.

Thank you, Harley. You will not be forgotten.