The shape of the way we have grieved has changed over the generations. The way we handle it, the way we position it in our lives, the way that the pandemic has shaped the way we pass along our condolences; the manner in which over time, we have changed how we burden some of the pain of others; how we communally become part of the collective arm to wrap around those in most pain.
We are all grieving this week at the sad loss of life in Headford at the weekend. Since Monday morning, we all have an ache in the pit of our stomach at the sadness of it all. We think of the parents and siblings of those who have died or are injured and hope that they find the strength to face the reality that has been visited upon them.
It is heartening also to see the warmth and comfort of the communities in Headford and Corrandulla come together to help them at this time; and to commit to doing so for the difficult days, and weeks and months ahead.
However, for the generation of the two young people who have died, grieving is often a new experience that they have been unfamiliar with until now. This week, they too are sharing the pain and the grief and the shock of it all, but the manner in which they communicate is one alien to many of an older generation. Their method of sharing information is allied to the technological age, yet, it is no less heartbreaking, no less difficult that that experienced by others.
That is why the school community in Headford and in all outlying schools in the county, have to be commended for their swift action in providing an open door policy, for being there in the time of crisis, a beacon in the community. They have let parents and schoolchildren know that it is understandable there is widespread upset at what has happened and that there is a listening ear for anyone who might want to share their feelings.
Through the increased use of technology, our teens share their news, their emotions. Through sport and activities, their spread of friendships and associations is far wider than used to be the case in the time when geography was a barrier. The sadness and shock at the deaths of these young people has spread fast and has impacted many. So the need for the supportive arm is even greater.
It has been a terrible year so far in terms of tragedy in our communities. So many people have perished on our roads since January 1, many of them young. We have had shocking incidents such as the Menlo tragedy and even last Thursday, the sad death of a woman in an equestrian accident in the north of the county. We are becoming accustomed to the horror of it all, and all this at a time when we are still collectively traumatised from the impact of the pandemic and its social consequences.
In the midst of all of this, let us never forget that there are many grieving families — Now is a time for compassion and understanding and for reassuring everyone impacted that together we can help get through the shock of it all. That the empathy we developed then to do our bit is now deployed to help the overwhelming burden of grief in our communities.
Two beautiful young children have had their lives cut short. Their school principal remembered them for what they brought to the life of the school community - energetic, smiling, mischievous, in the way all such teenagers are.
It is only right that we remember them this week, for the bright light they brought into the lives of their parents and friends, albeit for a time way too short.
May they rest in peace.
