Hurt.  

It is a theme that has paraded itself around our town recently, as family and friends grieved the loss of loved ones. And all people could ask is, “why?”

Of course, there is not one simple answer or reason. Why should our brother, sister, neighbor, friend, grandchild, be snatched away without warning? There is no consolation for that. And frankly, I’m in no position to speak about it. What do I know about the topic? An 18-year-old writer, witnessing the tragedies around her in complete awe. At first, I shied away from the topic--it was one that I didn’t want to touch upon because I didn’t know how. This doesn’t happen. Well, this doesn’t happen here.

But the more I thought about this article, the more there was one aspect I could not ignore. Our community. Throughout my 17 years as a resident here, not once have I ever seen anything like this. Confused about what I’m talking about? Log onto Facebook and scroll through the hundreds of messages, tributes, and remembrances of the great individuals we have lost. Check out the pictures, the articles written, or the amount of tissues Walgreens has sold. Or even the bracelets being sold in the community in honor of those we miss so dearly. And as impressive as each individual’s glorified life was, it doesn’t stop there.

A trend began. As the community paid their respects to the ones we have lost, they offered that helping hand and ounce of support to one another. Facebook status’s noting “Stay Strong Northbrook” dominated my news feed as the community reached their hand out to another. Hundreds of “likes” displayed themselves below each one. Everyone was there for one another, and that is one of the most comforting aspects of all.

No message is going to stop my brother’s tears from behind his bedroom door as he dresses for his friends’ funerals. And no comforting words are going de-pluralize that last statement. But maybe, just maybe, knowing that a community is backing one another may make it the slightest bit easier. Never have I seen a community come together like this, and never have I been more proud to live in such a place.

My heart goes out to all of the family and friends of the outstanding individuals that have left us, and my prayers are with you every day. Stay strong Northbrook, they’re watching over us. Make them proud.