Hope and healing after tragedy
A view of the Ottauquechee River in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Even after a storm, the buds still blossom, and they turn toward the sunlight — their source of energy, of goodness and strength. Though tragedy may strike at different times in this life, and communities are impacted, we eventually turn to the ever-present good in the world, and we begin healing, we progress.
Woodstock, Vermont, is beginning to heal, after seeing a tragedy right here in the community. On Tuesday, Woodstock had to suddenly confront the reality of a fatal shooting, along with the uncertainty that comes when security is threatened and information is developing. In the end, two lives were lost, and now, families and friends are grieving, and a community is coming to terms with what just happened.
Most of us have never been told to avoid a certain part of the village due to potential danger, but on Tuesday, this had to happen to keep the public safe. And residents near the impacted property had to shelter in place.
The suspect was confirmed deceased late Tuesday night, but the healing process from this incident is ongoing. When families grieve such a sudden loss, there are no simple answers, no quick fixes for such pain. Neighbors and community members feel the shock from this incident.
At that moment, the safety and peace of the village appeared shattered. In every situation, however, there are helpers and glimmers of light stretching forth to rise up and support those in need. This is evidence of a law of good which is in operation still, to guide and comfort the entire community. It is important for our community to come together and support one another, either through offers to help, friendly interactions, or even just simple acts of kindness, which can have such a calming impact. It’s a time to be lovingly aware of what our neighbors need. The Town of Woodstock has provided a web page with some mental health resources for those who would like to speak with someone following Tuesday’s incident. Here’s the link; please share it if you know someone who could benefit from this help.
Our community and its local resources have shined in difficult times, and now is another moment to see that support at work for the greater good. Such a heartbreaking tragedy shakes us to our core. It can make us feel insignificant in the aftermath, questioning what we can do. Despite these entirely understandable feelings, each community member can support the community’s healing process by letting love shine in, and by feeling compassion for one another. Even the simplest words of encouragement in a moment of fear and doubt can uplift someone when they need it most. Just a few kind words can help improve someone’s day for the better. The empowerment that comes with letting the love shine in helps settle thought and make room for light, where darkness may have been. The darkness of that day does not need to define our community, but the need to support others can empower the community. That progress through helping others, is part of the outstretched arms of love encircling our community, every day.
If we all do this, we are making a difference here and now. We’re contributing to the greater good. Even after tragedies strike, that network of love is still in motion, lifting up every heart and providing a precious healing sense of good that’s so needed at this time. It reassures us of progress and supplies much-needed hope as a community deals with the impact of tragedy. Even then, it shows us, a little more each day, that good will move us forward.
— Gareth Henderson
