In the face of hate and resentment, only love and commitment to bringing joy to those around us will ensure good prevails, and help through the mourning process.
Rabat – In an emotional message posted on Facebook, Glen Martin, the boyfriend of Louisa Vesterager Jespersen, one of the murdered Scandinavian tourists, said that the best way to mourn his girlfriend is to hold on to positive energy despite the horror and pain of the loss.
Writing on Facebook yesterday as investigators found terrorist links into the murder of Louisa and her friend Maren Ueland, Martin exhorted his friends and loved ones to hold onto love and always remember their sweetest memories with Louisa.
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle. You were that single candle Louisa,” began Martin’s post.
Twenty-four-year-old Louisa from Denmark, and 28-year-old Maren from Norway, who became friends at university in Norway, came to Morocco in early December for a month-long holiday. They hoped to make the most of their stay by exploring the country’s natural beauty, according to their latest social media posts.
On Monday, December 17, however, police discovered their bodies at their camping site near Imlil, a village close to Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak and a popular hiking destination.
As details of the two women’s brutal murder emerge on social media and on both Moroccan and international news outlets, thousands are expressing their sympathy for the victims’ families.
Read Also: Norway Police Say Video of Scandinavian Murders in Morocco is Real
Martin’s post acknowledged the love, sympathy, and support he has so far received, calling for the positivity to continue as friends and acquaintances mourn Louisa.
“I want to finish off with a request to us left behind. Love will bring us through this, not tourits hate, hate gives us nothing but anger. Love Louisa and her memory … I want everybody that reads this post to call or text someone close to you and tell them how much they mean for you. I would give anything to tell Louisa one last time what a beautiful human being she was and how much she meant to me.”
Moroccan authorities, who are working to shed further light on the Imlil tragedy, echoed the same message of love and commitment to “our shared values and humanity” in the face of divisive forces.
On Facebook, Martin’s heartbreaking message elicited even more emotional responses. Friends stressed Louise “sweetness,” easy-going nature, and readiness to “always help.”
“You put this together with such love and emotion Glen,” one friend said, proceeding to explain that his last memory of Louisa was during a music festival, barely a month ago.
“I just remember her saying ‘ah Luke, you’re so sweet.’ I don’t remember the context but every time I hear it it is in her voice,” he added.
Another recounted a hiking trip when Louisa helped a group of friends find their way. She wrote: “My friends and I missed the path on the Camino de Santiago and, Louisa, who was climbing up the true path, looked back and noticed us. She ran down the mountain and along the road to show us the way.”
Others shared photographs of fun moments and activities they shared with Louisa, relying on the power of pictures to express feelings that words cannot adequately capture.
One reminisced on his “good experience teaching Louisa.” He said he knew from those moments spent teaching her that “she was the kind of person who would not only have the heart to care about others but also the courage to actually help people in need.”
He concluded with heart-rending brevity, “I will remember your positive energy and I know we will meet again.”
