Tumbler Ridge Tragedy
I am disheartened.
Devastated.
Saddened.
Our entire country mourns those killed on February 10, 2026, in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
My son’s dad (ex-husband) lives in BC, so this really hits home. What if my son were there?
I gave him an extra squeeze yesterday.
As I did my morning prayer today, my heart went out to the families impacted by this massive tragedy.
God is so disappointed in us - in humanity. Looking at what is going on around the world, and now what is happening in our own backyard, what are we doing?
Let’s get back to basics. Let’s treat each other with love and respect.
We don’t know Jesse’s motives yet. We don’t know what he was struggling with or what was happening at his home or school. We only know that his mom, sibling, seven others, and he himself are now gone.
Is it enough to lower flags for seven days? Is it?
I need more. I need community to come together. I need an opportunity to mourn together.
I’m sure I’m not the only one.
I left messages with my church, our MPP’s office, the Mayor’s office and a local radio station here in Sarnia to see if there is a way we can come together as a community to mourn.
A candlelight vigil? A community prayer gathering? Something?
Canada doesn’t usually experience school shootings. There have been fewer than ten in the past 50 years. Even one is too many.
As I was writing this, Bob Bailey’s MPP office called me back. Unfortunately, they have no plans to organize anything. I heard back from Mike Bradly directly, and they also have no plans to organize anything. I appreciate that they both got back to me in a timely manner, and they did offer suggestions of moving this forward.
If the city or a church isn’t organizing anything, I would like to.
Is anyone interested in joining me for a candle-light vigil in Sarnia?
Please let me know.
Tumbler Ridge: We see you, and we are so very sorry.
Thanks, and God Bless,
Melissa
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Addendum:
It was clarified in the news that Jesse identified as she, not he.
Also, victims were a 11y/o step-brother, 39y/o mother, 39y/o teacher, and six children aged 12-13.
In the Sarnia area, the Mayor has just informed me that Point Edward plans to have a vigil on Sunday night.
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Here's a video I did on 5 Ways to Sit in Grief During Crisis. I hope it's helpful in some way.