This column is usually about real estate. This week, it isn’t.
Like everyone in Bend, we have been heartbroken since learning of the tragic event at Silver Rail Elementary School. We don’t have the right words for what the children, teachers, families, first responders and community members are going through, and we won’t pretend to. We are thinking of them, and of everyone who is trying to put one foot in front of the other right now.
What we can say with certainty is that in times of tragedy, the true heart of our town shines through. To us, Bend Strong isn’t just a tagline or a trending hashtag. It never has been, and right now it matters more than ever. Over the past few days, we have seen businesses open their doors with special activities for children. We have seen countless restaurants offer free meals to anyone not up to cooking. We have seen friends and neighbors start and give to GoFundMe campaigns to support the victims and their families. Thousands gathered for a candlelight vigil in Drake Park, leaning on one another and honoring those we lost. Students wrote cards and left flowers and stuffed animals at the school’s memorial. And overnight, the Centennial Logger statue in the roundabout was transformed into an angel.
These actions don’t make a tragedy like this any smaller. And it doesn’t fix anything. But these things still matter. People are showing up for our community, without question or hesitation. We are grieving together and supporting each other in real time. Bend is authentically different in this way, and we know that will never change.
We’re in the business of helping people find a home. And yet, we have always believed that Bend’s greatest asset isn’t its real estate, mountain views, or lifestyle. It’s the people who make this place truly special.
Healing will take a long time. To the Silver Rail Elementary School community, and to everyone affected by last week’s tragedy: we are beside you now, and we will be beside you in the months ahead.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
