Last week, 10 minutes before my deadline I was overwhemled by the good news Houston received about Buy-Low-Foods.
This week, I struggle to hold joy after hearing about an attack on two graduates from Houston during pre-grad.
I am grateful to hear that these graduates are recovering well, and my prayers go out to the alleged attacker that unconfirmed reports say in critical condition at the Prince George hospital.
I don’t know all the circumstances of the situation, but whatever the case, it is extremely disheartening to hear about such an event, especially at a time of celebration.
My heart goes out to the family, friends and other graduates affected by what happened at Sunset Lake. As a sibling whose younger sister is graduating this year, what I wish most for all of you transitioning students is love, safety, and healing.
With lack of information on what occurred, I can’t understand what possesses people to act viciously. Be it verbal or physical.
However, I do believe that no matter who the instigator, victim, perpetrator, or witnesses are, each and every single one of these individuals need love. They need help.
I will leave the road to justice to the responsibility of our officers at the Houston RCMP detachment.
What I advocate for is compassion and a need for some form of ongoing and open counselling at our school districts.
I remember graduating seven years ago and hearing stories from family members who have lost loved ones at pre-grad and post-grad celebrations. Their heart-felt pleas asking us to stay safe were heard, but not registered.
The truth is, at 17 you just don’t think it’s going to happen to you.
I think the way to make grad celebrations safe begins with a dialogue long before graduation year.
Perhaps then at 17, the fire that consumes us inside wouldn’t sway us so vehemently.
To all the graduating students in Houston, may the fire in you warm those you touch, not burn them.
