Tragedies bring out the best and the worst in us.
Two weeks ago, this column was about the tragedy in Surfside, Fla. Nearly 150 people died in a building collapse that did not need to happen.The recovery stage of this tragedy is nearly over, allowing the investigation phase to move into high gear.
My heart goes out to the victims, their loved ones and to the entire Surfside community.
My tenure as Surfside Town Manager ended before the building 40-year certification began. While I was town manager, the tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. happened. There were 20 children between 6-7, and six adult staff members who died that day or soon thereafter. Twenty-year-old Adam Lanza unleashed his fury on the innocents with two high powered rifles and a pistol. He killed himself and his mother.
This tragedy impacted me to the core of my being. Beth and I had four granddaughters in – or soon to be – attending elementary schools. Surfside was very proud of nearby Ruth K. Broad Elementary School with its nearly-1,200 students in grades K-8. Our small community was implementing an art project that placed 20 large sea turtle statues – beautifully painted by individual artists – around the downtown area and at other civic sites.
When the tragedy happened, Ruth K. Broad Elementary School Art Teacher Maggie Vidal Santos proposed that her art students paint one of the sea turtle statues in memory of their fellow elementary students in Sandy Hook. Newtown Police Officer Maryhelen McCarthy was contacted and immediately supported the project.
The kids named the sea turtle “Ruth” and the story was covered by the local media. The unveiling of the student painted statue was attended by nearly-500 people. The event brought a high degree of closeness between our children and theirs – our community and theirs.
Newtown received more than one million condolences and other expressions of sympathy from around the world. It was decided to open an exhibit for one year. Ruth was delivered by truck to the exhibit the night before opening during a blizzard. She gave her message of support by our children to their community from a prominent place at the entrance to the exhibit.
Now, nine years later, Surfside has its own tragedy. That same police officer just sent a letter to the people of Surfside and the art teacher whose students brought a message to her town when it suffered. Words are important:
“Our hearts are with you and your Surfside community in this difficult time. There are no words to express our sorrow for your pain and loss. Ruth has been taking care of us … I hope she can bring a smile to your face, if only for a moment.”
The message to us all is so simple and pure. An act of kindness in a time of tragedy will last forever and be returned when needed the most.
Roger Carlton writes a bi-weekly column for The Graham Star. He can be reached via email, rcarlton57@hotmail.com.