The same kids were late that always are. It was busy at the front office. A boy walked in to school dropping a condom out of his wallet and onto the floor while I he was getting out his ID. Parents dropped off things kids had left behind. Jennifer and I told each other about our evening.
Then we got an email. Zach had committed suicide. I was shocked. I know this kid, he was Grace’s section leader in band, a straight A student, just got back from all state for band, kind and funny and handsome. A boy with everything going for him.
The day turned on a dime. Now what? The whole school went into crisis mode. The district sent over 18 mental health counselors to join our 10 guidance counselors and 1 social worker that are always on staff. (It’s a big school with 4000 students).
The media center was opened up for students to gather and the boy’s brother was brought to the guidance office to sit and wait for a family member to come and break the news. (Awful)
All day we hugged crying kids, sat in shock, and learned bits and pieces. It was a terrible tragedy.
When school was out for Grace Rob and I both met her at home. We walked dogs and then took her and Lincoln on a long awaited trip to buy new tennis shoes and eat at the food court. My strategy was keep her with me, keep her talking. Walks and errands are two great places for hearts to be shared, and she needed shoes anyway.
Then the evening. A parent meeting, followed by a candlelight vigil at on the practice field. 300 people came and comforted each other. It seemed like we should have had a hymn and a prayer and I felt the lack. Taylor though bore a sweet and strong testimony of Christ’s love. I was proud of him.
Finally, at 9pm, we were home. A little worse for wear, a little extra grateful for kids that are alive and a God that saves all His children, a diet that needed to be restarted this morning and feeling sad.
Life is hard.
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