When Tragedy Strikes

Last Thursday, tragedy struck our little school.  One of our beloved 4th grade students was tragically killed in an over night house fire.  Her parents were taken to the hospital where they remain in ICU, but have now been notified that their precious daughter did not survive.  

I can tell you, you are never prepared for such a tragedy to hit your school.  St. Patrick is a small school. I know all school's call themselves a family and I'm certain they believe that to be true, but when you have a school as small as ours, it IS a family.  We take care of each other, we celebrate each other, we love each other deeply -- and when something bad happens to one of us, it hurts.  

On Friday, we came together to honor our sweet girl with a prayer service.  One nice thing about attending a Catholic school is that when something bad happens, you have the ability to come together and pray.  Our students, staff, and families gathered in the church where our sadness overflowed.  Father Matthew Brumleve led us in prayer, stories, and songs.  He reminded us that grief does not end in one day - it's a journey that will often hit us when we least expect it.

Over the weekend, I spent time reflecting. Why do bad things happen to good people?  Why does tragedy strike such a young sweet girl?  Of course, if I knew the answers to those questions, I'd become rich sharing them with the world. 

I have no answers, I have no words of wisdom.  The only thing I know for sure is that our sweet girl entered the gates of heaven and I'm certain she had a lot. of friends and family who were there cheering for her as she arrived.  I know that she is free of worry, stress, and pain, and I know she is rejoicing in the glory of heaven.  

It's those of us left behind who suffer, but I know we will get through it together.  We always do.

Ms. Monaghan's Message