In the early hours of Sunday morning, the unthinkable . . . the unimaginable … happened and a family of four lost their lives.  Their deaths have devastated our community and brought that same community together as nothing else can.  A loss this great defies comprehension, but those who can are lifting up the families of this family in every way possible, through emotional support, financial assistance, and perhaps the greatest measure of all, through prayer.

There is no way to understand such loss or to be accepting of it without questioning why it happened—not the actual circumstances that led to the event, but the reason why bad things happen to good people.  And there is absolutely no way to begin to understand what these families must be facing and feeling at this moment.  There are some things that would seem to be beyond human endurance and surely, surely such a loss would be at the top of that list.

Through social media word of this tragedy spread quickly, and just as quickly people reached out to help, a response generated by their own grief.  Whether you knew anyone involved or not, you could not help but be deeply touched by the horror of what had happened, and deeply saddened as you looked at the faces and heard the stories of those who died.

As terrible as the loss is for their families and as great as their needs are now for comfort, support, and some measure of understanding, there are others who are also suffering, though not nearly to the extent of these family members and friends who are devastated beyond words.  I’m referring to the firefighters who arrived as quickly as possible, believing they were coming to save lives and property, only to realize they could do neither.  I’m thinking of the first responders who rushed to the scene, intent upon rendering any aid they could, only to stand and hopelessly, helplessly watch—and the investigators who are now working to provide answers for the grieving families.  And yes, I’m thinking of the funeral directors and other staff members who, in the coming days, will do everything in their power to support and guide these families, knowing all along it is not, and never will be, enough.

In the midst of so great a loss it is easy to overlook others who are also suffering.  At this moment there are other families who have lost people precious to them, under circumstances that are not natural, but whose losses are overshadowed by that Sunday morning tragedy.  They also deserve and need our comfort and compassion and we as a community must not forget their grief.

If you are a praying person, then I ask that you do just that, lifting up all of these families and those who serve them at every opportunity.  And if prayer is not your chosen avenue of support then please keep them close in your thoughts.  And no matter what kind of person you may be, hold your children tighter, tell those around you that you love them—and remember, you never know.  You just never know.

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