In July, flash flooding at Camp Mystic in Central Texas tragically resulted in the deaths of 27 campers, primarily young girls. The rising waters led counselors to write names on arms for identification in case of tragedy. This incident evokes deep fear and grief among parents, particularly those sending children to camp. Child psychologist Tanya Cotler emphasizes the challenge of holding both joy and sorrow as parents process the collective grief from losing children. The importance of channeling this grief into supportive actions for those affected is highlighted.
As waters rose in the middle of the night, counselors wrote girls' names on their arms in case the worst-case scenario happened. Some campers tried to hold hands. Some didn't make it.
To any parent who sends their child to overnight camp, this is unfathomable. The words 'I can't imagine it' come to mind-and yet we can imagine it, and it is our greatest fear.
One of the most common sentiments we've heard from parents right now is 'I can't stop thinking about those girls.' But how do we sit with the pain, without letting it swallow us?
Collective grief in parenthood allows us to channel our pain into healing action and support those who have experienced the harshest loss: losing a child.
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