In times of tragedy, such as those experienced recently with the shooting at South Boulder’s King Soopers, songs and poems come to mind. Joan Baez’s lyrics, based on John Donne’s poem, capture a sense of communal support: “No man is an island, No man stands alone, Each man’s joy is joy to me, Each man’s grief is my own. We need one another, So I will defend, Each man as my brother, Each man as my friend.”
Columnist Marty Coffin Evans
In the hours and days following the March 22 shooting, calls, texts and emails arrived. From Arizona to New York, Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Texas, Kansas, California, New Mexico, and Colorado, concerned family and friends reached out. Long-time friends emailed from New Zealand not unlike when they checked on us, September 2001. Yes, we responded about our safety noting ours and others frequent shopping at that same store.
We all acknowledged the tragedy of the situation. One California friend called again. His suggestion: a collaborative memorial event, when appropriate. He encouraged a focus on so much more that defines the community, and state, beyond this tragedy.
Traumatic event resources have been made available throughout the community. Various providers and grief support groups have shared connections as well.
Churches reached out with prayer vigils and emails about praying for all involved. How true at such times in our lives where turning to prayer becomes our direction, and source of strength.
Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley
We do indeed pray for our fallen police officer and his family of seven children. We pray for those killed in King Soopers along with their family members and friends. For those many officers, first responders and more, we pray for them too. We pray for healing for all including the suspect for whatever troubled him to become a dangerous gunman who changed the lives of ten innocent people. Indeed, none of us stands alone. In joy and sorrow, we do care for and about each other. Editorial by columnist Marty Coffin Evans