Tragedy at Tumbler Ridge - why family is important

My family in 2010 - Two losses and two additions since then.

Tumbler Ridge.  Someone enters a high school with a gun.  What comes next is horrible - life-taking, life-changing, life-destroying.  Families, the school, the community, and even the country will never be the same again.

This is why family is important.  Before, during, and after.  

Before - I can't speak to who the person with the gun was, but I have to believe that there were deep problems with the family.  That's not always true, of course, but often when there is deep unrest, there is something missing within the family.  Fortunately, most children are somewhat resilient and can thrive in spite of family squabbles.  But, at the end of the day, everyone is usually much better off when a family loves each other and works together.

During - I can only imagine the horror of what the people in Tumbler Ridge are going through right now.  Parents losing children, children who have lost family members and friends, and those who are paying the price for someone who lost control.  This, too, is why family is important.  Surround each other with love, care, physical contact, and support.  Put away any differences you have - they pale in comparison to current needs.  Love each other, forgive each other, and support each other.

After - There are many who will carry this event with them the rest of their lives.  It will affect marriages, friendships, personal growth and achievement, and families right to the core.  More than ever, family members need each other.  Today, tomorrow, next week, next year, forever.  Love, forgiveness, support.  Understanding.  Encouragement.  Moving forward, one moment at a time.  

The thread that ties before, during, and after together is communication.  Communicate love through words, body language, and touch.  Communicate understanding by listening, hearing, and acting.  How do you show love to someone?  You have to communicate it through words and actions.  In the family.  First.  Now.  Forever.  It's the only way forward.

My thoughts and prayers are with those in Tumbler Ridge.  Love your family.  It will make a difference.

Eric Svendsen 


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