Why Tragic Deaths Are Different

Days ago the largest mass shooting in US history took place on the strip in Las Vegas.  Viewers watched in horror; people screaming and scrambling for safety.  Now we have seen faces of the victims and stories to go along with each person.  Every media source is covering all aspects of what took place; more and more details being released.  As a country our hearts are broken and we all want answers, "How could this of happened?"

I can tell you after 10 years in funeral service, there is nothing comparable to a tragic death.  We mourn the person who died but also those circumstances that surround it.  Many questions and not enough answers.  I have met with countless families who where struck with the reality that their child/ spouse/sibling/best friend died horrifically.  Most people want reassurance that their loved one did not suffer.  There are little words to be said that can provide any sort of comfort.

I have witnessed human beings suffering...pain that is so deep and raw... people fall to their knees and all they can do is scream.  What happened in Las Vegas emotionally brings about deep feelings of sadness and fear.  In the worst way possible, it seems as if everything is torn apart right now.  I can say from my own eyes, although I have seen how tragedy causes destruction, I have also seen how it causes a great deal of wholeness.

There is an immense amount of camaraderie that needs to be acknowledged.  People coming together to help in any way possible.  Tragedy brings about the highest level of humanity.  There is kindness and there is goodness and we cannot ever forget those things exist too.