HOS Letter: Devastated.  Heartbroken.  Speechless.

Devastated.  Heartbroken.  Speechless.

 












I write this to our Orchard community as I struggle with the feeling that I have no more words.  I can say them, I can write them, I can share them with you, but they are wholly inadequate for the grief that we are processing today after 19 children and two teachers have been gunned down in their elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.  

Today is the second anniversary of George Floyd’s murder.  We are still burying the victims of last week’s mass shooting in Buffalo. Just days ago I shared that we must bear witness to loss and grief as we make this journey together, and that we must resolve not to give in to sorrow.  I still believe that, and I believe that it’s our shared love and support for one another–especially when we are devastated, heartbroken, and speechless–that allows us to find a way forward.  

I hope you will give yourself time to reflect, grieve, and keep your loved ones close today and in the days ahead.  Please lean on trusted adults in your inner circle (when children are not around) to process how you’re feeling, and when you decide how and when to speak with your own children, make use of resources for age-appropriate conversations.  Next week we will offer a time for our school community to come together in connection, fellowship, and remembrance of the many lives that have been lost. 

With remembrance and love to the families, students, faculty, and staff of Robb Elementary School.  

Sherri C. Helvie, Ph.D.
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