Lindsey Arnold's smile brought warmth to Ball State University's Kappa Delta chapter, much like the flames of the white candles students held Thursday night to commemorate Arnold's life.
Bundled in coats, scarves and hats, many students gathered at Shafer Tower, several shedding tears and embracing one another as they remembered the life of a woman who brought joy to those who came in contact with her.
"Tonight, we're here to mourn because we miss Lindsey," Rachael Bruns, Kappa Delta chaplain, said. "But we're also rejoicing with her because she's with God right now."
Arnold, a Ball State sophomore, died Sunday at her home in Monroe after battling a brain tumor for almost a year. The cancer affects breathing, body movements and heart rate and can cause numbness.
Julie Hart, a member of Kappa Delta, said no one could ever prepare for what happened.
"I can still hear your laughter in my head and see your smile," Hart read as she shed tears. "I just want you to know I love you."
Sigma Chi fraternity brought vases of white roses on behalf of its chapter.
Erin Richards, Arnold's roommate and a member of Kappa Delta, also read a letter from Arnold's parents, who said that through Arnold's "redemptive suffering," she brought people to prayer who perhaps have not prayed before.
"She sure fought hard, especially the last four months," Richards read. "God has done great work through Lindsey."
Bruns said she appreciated the support of students who attended the vigil to honor Arnold.
"We want to thank you all for supporting us the past few days," Bruns said. "The campus and greek community have been an amazing support for us. It is another tough day for us; we're here with deep regret in our hearts to have to mourn the death of our sister Lindsey."
Kappa Delta President Michele Faroh said the past few days have demonstrated that members of the greek and campus communities are able to stand with one another between the good times and the bad.
Arnold, who became part of Kappa Delta in Fall 2003, was a loyal member of the chapter, Faroh said.
To demonstrate the peace Arnold is experiencing now, Bruns read Revelations 7:16-17 from the Bible: "Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
"This verse is to remind us that Lindsey is out of the pain she's been through the past few months," Bruns said. "She's at the feet of the almighty God."
She said the love that Arnold's friends and family had for Arnold is everlasting.
"The love we had for Lindsey is unbreakable, and the love she had for us is the same way," Bruns said.
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