Author J.K. Rowling once said, “You will never truly know yourself or the strength of your relationships until both have been tested by adversity.”
I believe it is fairly safe to say that our community pretty well knows itself, and the bonding strengths of our relationships after the last month of our lives. We have endured much.
From the loss of a young mother and child, to the loss of three young ladies, we have all been shaken. It has made us all realize that the things we might think only happen somewhere else, happen here too. It has made us all come face to face with the reality that life is fragile. And, it has brought us some of the darkest days ever in our history.
Across the area today, people are still hurting. It is the kind of hurt and sense of loss that will never completely go away. Yet, in the midst of all of the sorrow, there were glimpses of what makes our little corner of the world so special.
When a need arises here, our community shows up. Whether it be a fundraiser, a need for new clothes after a fire, or simply acts of love to comfort those that are grieving, we are there.
I went to see the memorial far out in the country, on a dusty county road, where people from all over had gone before me. When you get there you see symbols of love and compassion. Handmade memories, stuffed animals, and three simple crosses. It is a sight that instantly moves your heart. Seeing it conjures images of three young lives. In that scene we are placed in a position of remembrance where we see them playing as they once did, walking across a stage, being kids.
It is there that we can have just a slice of the love, compassion and community that was put there by those who loved them, and those who love those still here.
