From R.C. White
Stoughton
To the editor:
To the families of Anya Teasdale, Joseph Wyss & Gage Noble,
I was deeply saddened when I heard of the tragedy that struck your families. Your lives are forever altered. Your loss is something that no parent should ever experience. I understand what you are going through.
On June 22, 2010 my life was forever altered. My son Sean, 17, was killed in a triple fatality crash that also claimed the lives of two girls, 16 and 17. Three families lives tragically altered as well.
As difficult as it may be, it is important to talk about your child and share your happy memories with one another. There will be little things that at times will bring tears and smiles as well. One thing I learned quickly is that the bad days outweigh the good days in the beginning. Then slowly the bad days begin to take a day off once in awhile. It took me months before I could have the occasional good day without guilt. But it does happen.
To the friends of the Teasdale, Wyss and Noble families,
After the recent tragedy that struck your community, you were immediately there for them. This is what communities do. The conversations with them this week, though difficult, will yet be simple. Many of you will see the families only at the visitation and funeral and express you condolences. This is what communities do.
However, after the funerals and the children of these three families are laid to rest, your lives will return to your usual routine, while the lives of your tragedy-stricken friends are now left to grieve alone. The silence will be deafening for them. Their lives already changed by their loss will continue to lose as they experience further loss. That loss is you, their friends. In the weeks and months to come, many of you will look away, not knowing what to say to them. Afraid that mentioning Anya, Joseph or Gage's name will bring back bad memories of the tragedy for the families. Believe me when I say they want to hear their child's name, they want to talk about them.
I am so sorry for your community's loss. I just want to remind you to look after your friends, talk to them - they need you more than ever in the weeks, months and years ahead. This is what communities do.
Stoughton
To the editor:
To the families of Anya Teasdale, Joseph Wyss & Gage Noble,
I was deeply saddened when I heard of the tragedy that struck your families. Your lives are forever altered. Your loss is something that no parent should ever experience. I understand what you are going through.
On June 22, 2010 my life was forever altered. My son Sean, 17, was killed in a triple fatality crash that also claimed the lives of two girls, 16 and 17. Three families lives tragically altered as well.
As difficult as it may be, it is important to talk about your child and share your happy memories with one another. There will be little things that at times will bring tears and smiles as well. One thing I learned quickly is that the bad days outweigh the good days in the beginning. Then slowly the bad days begin to take a day off once in awhile. It took me months before I could have the occasional good day without guilt. But it does happen.
To the friends of the Teasdale, Wyss and Noble families,
After the recent tragedy that struck your community, you were immediately there for them. This is what communities do. The conversations with them this week, though difficult, will yet be simple. Many of you will see the families only at the visitation and funeral and express you condolences. This is what communities do.
However, after the funerals and the children of these three families are laid to rest, your lives will return to your usual routine, while the lives of your tragedy-stricken friends are now left to grieve alone. The silence will be deafening for them. Their lives already changed by their loss will continue to lose as they experience further loss. That loss is you, their friends. In the weeks and months to come, many of you will look away, not knowing what to say to them. Afraid that mentioning Anya, Joseph or Gage's name will bring back bad memories of the tragedy for the families. Believe me when I say they want to hear their child's name, they want to talk about them.
I am so sorry for your community's loss. I just want to remind you to look after your friends, talk to them - they need you more than ever in the weeks, months and years ahead. This is what communities do.
