Well now I live in a “famous” place or in part of it. Had always hoped this tragedy would somehow evade us. Yet, with the poor mental health in our country for all ages, the deluge of social media’s high expectations to perform and excel, especially with youth, coupled with a misuse of weaponry for some…… here we are. Bend had a deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15,2026. A day permanently stained with blood, fear and great loss. To top it off, among the dead are very young dead are very young children aged 5, 8, 11 and new teacher age 25.
How does a community fractured by such tragedy move on? Every time this happens it is tumultuous, shocking, and crushing. Yet, we see again and again the resiliency of the human being when they seek truth, goodness, and Love.
I live in a unique section of the city right between Bend and Redmond. So, although I am not in the constant hum of the tragedy, I am greatly affected by the circumstances as is everyone else in Deschutes county. I grieve for the families directly affected by loss and injury.
Being a baby boomer from California, I am not immune to the exposure to violence and a fear for my life. I grew up during the time of the Zodiak killer plus the other weirdos kidnapping kids and more. It has actually stunned me how emotions of those days have suddenly flooded back. I have vivid memories of having to be escorted from the car to front door of neighbors for Halloween trick or treating by my Mother, and always home by afternoons. We heard again and again to not talk to strangers, come directly home after school, don’t go out alone…...etc. It was a daily conversation for some years during my young adolescence that has stuck with me forever. In spite of that, I ALWAYS felt safe at school…… and at home. Where does that leave us now?
Yet this is why I want to lead you with some thoughts of healing and hope. We all heal and grieve differently and at various paces. One avenue especially for children is through art and music. I too continue to look to painting and music to deal with emotions. As a Pediatric Nurse, I worked with injured and dying children quite often. Again and again, I saw how art was a window into their suffering for themselves to heal and for others wanting to understand how to help them.
I hope each of you find your outlet for healing. I found that art work by children recovering from gun violence was not openly posted online. With the AI media it is difficult to know what is authentic. Yet I found this image very inspiring.
From FB post no author on DIY Art group.
Also I share with you once again my painting I did when my Brother Andrew died in 2025.
Grieving Fox
To keep in mind: (Thanks to Facebook post by YGBR.ORG)
Art therapy offers a unique avenue for:
Self-expression: Art allows children to express feelings, thoughts, and experiences that might be difficult to articulate verbally. It offers a safe and creative way to release pent-up emotions.
Trauma processing: For children who've experienced traumatic events, art therapy can offer a non-threatening way to process and navigate their experiences, often making it easier than verbal therapies alone.
Boosting self-esteem: Completing art gives children a sense of accomplishment, which can help improve their self-confidence.
I encourage you to paint with your children and you too will find ways to grow in understanding. Find your strength in Community, Compassion, Faith and Hope.
Compassion brings Hope and Peace will follow.
If you would like to listen to music and spiritual inspiration click link below
