We Are Dayton Strong
Featured in the Dayton Daily News
I write a lot about my family’s loss to suicide. I still try to understand how the internal corrosion of two of my brothers could lead them to decide to end their lives. Forever, there will be questions without answers. In the aftermath of their deaths, the only way my family could navigate our loss was to rely on each other and those who suffered similar loss. We became part of a club we never asked to join, and traversed our sorrow with the support of others. Our Dayton community has been hammered with devastation since Memorial Day. In the wake of the shattering tornadoes that ripped through the urban channels of Dayton, we have seen carpenters show up with hammers, churches open their doors, and businesses offer their goods to help those whose lives were wrecked. We have seen neighbors give light to others in the dark of night. Rebuilding has been tedious and slow, but our community’s grit remains strong. Little did we know the table was being set for more heartbreak. This past weekend, swift and irreversible gun violence ripped through the Oregon District. Nine people died. Many others were hurt.
As light brought clarity to the devastation of Sunday’s early morning events, we were drawn to the voices and strength of our community leaders. The courage and competence of the 6 Dayton police officers who responded without hesitation to protect the hundreds of vulnerable people in the Oregon District is remarkable. Their swift call to action undoubtedly saved hundreds of lives. Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley and Police Chief Richard Biehl helped us manage our confusion with not only information, but with declarations to the world of how strong the greater Dayton community really is.
From their first line of leadership, the ripple effect continues to carry us towards hope. Pastors remind of our connectedness, dedicated medical professionals work towards saving those injured, and strangers shed formality reaching for one another’s hands in solidarity. Understanding how one person’s internal implosion can lead to mass murder defies reason or decency. For those directly impacted by this shooting, it may be way too soon to think about how good can rise from despair. Perhaps confusion still reigns. For our community, the questions are many and the answers are few. Dayton is now part of a club we never wished to join. Our community leaders will now be in a position to reach out to other city representatives who will be touched by random and mass violence. I’m certain if you would ask any Dayton government officials, they would regret the fact that they have become unwilling experts in the business of mass killing. These days are profoundly painful.I am grateful for our local leadership. During these fatiguing hours when we are all exhausted by sadness, I appreciate those who can help the rest of us to rise to a common ground of hope. We can all help one another thread one painful moment to another; so that in time, tears won’t always define our vision. A compassionate smile, the lending of a hand, or the ability to just remain with someone in the silence of their sorrows go a long way in our journey towards healing. We will get through this Dayton. And for those who are in the midst of unimaginable loss . . . just stay connected. We are stronger together.