Their grips got a little tighter and their children snuggled in that extra bit. Parents and children needed each other on this evening.
If anything, to remind themselves of the precious bond that exists between them.
Some 3,000 people from around the region on the soccer field for a celebration of the life of Quinn Lorna Kay Butt were reminded of that bond tonight.
They were reminded that everyday is a gift.
They were there to pay tribute to a little girl they might not have known, but they felt the need to show their support.
There was 18-year-old Matieo Forward and 66-year-old David Moores. Each pledging their support to the cause.
Just their presence lending strength to the grieving family.
Quinn was a five-year-old Carbonear girl who could light up a room with a simple smile who was taken from the world much too soon.
Earlier in the week, firefighters pulled her body from a burning home on Hayden Heights in Carbonear.
The news of Quinn’s death rocked the province and almost immediately people started banding together. They stuck pink and purple balloons to their houses, while pledging their support for the family through social media.
They lent their strength in hopes of helping a grieving mother through the toughest ordeal.
Quinn was equal parts diva and princess. A girl who had just as much fun playing with her friends (in the mud) as she did putting on a dress and high heels.
Friends of the family didn’t want this evening to be about tragedy. They needed it to be about life and celebration.
People wept as poetry was read and Quinn’s favourite song echoed through the nearby neighbourhoods. They raised their candles towards the sky as family released their balloons.
Those candles later made their way to Quinn's memorial table.
It’s a cause that has touched people from around the world. Pictures from countries like Germany, Italy and the United States.
A pink balloon even floated above Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Quinn and her mother were supposed to be there now.
Closer to home in Carbonear, businesses were hanging signs in their windows, pledging their love to the young girl.
Many of those sentiments were felt on the field in Harbour Grace. Young children carried balloons and signs for Quinn.
Others wore t-shirts that said, “We will never forget Quinn.”
We were all celebrating her life.
Before a trio of Chinese lanterns floated skyward, a fresh snowfall started.
As the light snowflakes fell, it felt like Quinn was saying thank-you.
Light it up Quinn.
