Our Community lost a piece of its future tonight. In one earth-shattering moment, one of our children was taken away from us forever. What was supposed to be a day of celebration, the completion of another school year in sleepy New Fairfield turned tragic at a party. No, alcohol wasn't involved, no there was no mean-spirited hazing, yes the parents were in attendance. But in one swift moment our lives were changed forever.
We're not supposed to lose our children. They are to out-live their parents, out-shine them in their abilities. They are supposed to make the world a better place. Catherine Burke will never have that chance. She should be lazing the summer away having her mother tell her to get up each morning. Now her mother walks past her empty room. One less at the table, one less in the car. One less.
Instead of gathering for the next party, our community gathers for a funeral. Our hearts have been changed tonight. Our sympathies go out to the Burke family. The loss of one child diminishes us all.
Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens
13 years ago
