There was not a dry eye in this county last week. Tragic, unthinkable, heart-wrenching — words that permeated our school's halls, echoed through the local markets and sat silently with us in the pews of our churches.

The words, of course, are not adequate to capture the emotion, or express the groundswell of sorrow that engulfed our community after the death of beloved friends and family members. Still reeling from the losses of last spring, grief once again has seared its way into the heart and soul of the county.

As it did last week, tragedy has caused us to cast aside the trivial and turn instead to one another — not for words but for compassion, support and love. Writing words in a column seems inconsequential. Words to fill a page are hard to find, knowing that none can fill the void or explain the unimaginable.

Our school community all too often has had to look for the right words to help students cope with loss. Grief counseling, while surely appropriate, should not be commonplace in our middle and high school.

Seems, however, many of the SHS students found a way to speak boldly last week, giving their emotion voice, not in words of sorrow, but instead through the simplicity of proclaiming a name. With the initials “TW” taped to their helmets, and “Tristan” written across headbands and shoulder blades, they rallied together, skiing, swimming and shouting out a young man's name, expressing their love for him, support for his family and for each other. In a name, they found the right words.

I didn't know the individuals who passed away last week. There is no way I can even imagine what those close to them are going through. No doubt there are many who are being called on to be strong this week — at a time when reserves may seem hopelessly depleted. For all who have offered a shoulder or found the right thing to say, know there are countless others in the county who would gladly offer theirs, and are thinking of you. Once again the degree of separation between each of us has narrowed, and our children continue to learn at far too young an age the lessons of loss.

Reading, and hearing stories about how each of these individuals really lived life, shed the lone rays of hope during one hell of a week. A woman who collected friends and generously gave back to her community, a true pioneer in our community with vision and passion for the arts and a young man exploring with vigor his barely tapped potential. Each life telling part of the story of the extraordinary place we call home, a place filled with giants of heart and soul. Visitors, too, sadly lost, similarly mourned, and remembered in distant homes. They all will be sorely missed. And it seems appropriate when we are at loss for words to let their names be the expression that echoes through the hallways, and brand our hearts. Words of remembrance to remind us of the gifts they shared, and the ways each inspired us to truly live.

Tristan, Mary, Marty — and all whose names reverberate in our soul.

Rest in peace.

Cindy Bargell lives outside of Silverthorne with her husband and two daughters. She is a card-carrying PTSA member, real estate and natural resources lawyer and part-time gymnastics coach. She welcomes your comments at cindy@visanibargell.com.