Today is a sad day for us ... to commemorate the “Murder” of our beautiful child is just one more thing, we must endure. Mackenzie was a beautiful child inside and out. It seems as though everyone has a story of humor, kindness, and grace that they have shared about Mackenzie. The significance of the “Gift of Mackenzie” for such a short time here is awe-inspiring, and will remain with us. Her strength, endurance, sense of humor, drive, and her desire to experience and live life can teach us all about God’s grace. We as her family, miss her greatly, and are very happy that God picked us to be Mackenzie’s family. The “Promise of Mackenzie” is that you can do anything you put your mind to, and that promise is for everyone, young or old. We can only now stand in support of Justice for Mackenzie, and that remains our priority. I would like to thank this community for holding us up and surrounding us with their love, talent, services and support. I personally would like to thank those that stood beside me, and behind me as my knees buckled with the overwhelming reality I must face. I couldn’t have done it without you and will be forever grateful. Hillary Clinton once said “It takes a village to raise a child” ... I must add: “It takes a Community to hold together a family that loses a child!” We have a great community and are proud to be a part of it. 

Wendy Cowell benefit

The North Central Home Builders Association and North Central Washington Association of Realtors will hold a fundraising event Feb. 25 for Wendy Cowell, mother of Mackenzie Cowell. The pasta dinner features an auction and no-host bar to support Cowell financially during the trial of Christopher Scott Wilson, accused of Mackenzie’s murder, set to begin March 8. Advance tickets are available at Century 21, Windermere Real Estate, Brad Huddle’s Allstate Insurance office, North Meridian Title and Pacific Appraisal Associates.

When: 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25

Where: St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 625 S. Elliott Ave.

Cost: $20

Information: 670-6466 or 662-9221

— Jefferson Robbins, World staff