Through despair I have seen hope. Through weakness I have seen strength. Through disarray I have seen unity. Through differences I have seen similarity. Through tragedy I have seen a miracle.
Looking back on the past week, the series of events have lead the Hebert family, and all those involved into a whirlwind of emotion. Now that the person who began this ordeal is arrested, the time now comes for a period of reflection and healing.
Thanks are spread far and wide to local volunteers, Search and Rescue, RCMP and all those that helped in the search. Sparwood, you showed the world that in the face of adversity our community will come together, feed off each other’s determination, stay hopeful, and give everything we have to help one another.
Lessons are learned, that the sense of comfort we have grown accustomed to may not always be a reality. In a community where doors were rarely ever locked at night, Sparwood may perhaps be forever changed.
Let the healing begin. For the Hebert family, who will slowly reach a place where they can put this nightmare behind them. For the community who will enjoy a good night’s sleep, let their children run and play like they used to and not be terrified of a sound in the night.
I have had amazing and very special friends this week who have taken my children as their own, allowing me to share Kienan’s story with the rest of the world, and for that I am very thankful. To the Hebert family, thank you for allowing me into your home, to join your family and share your thoughts and feelings. To Sparwood, again, you never cease to amaze me. Would I ever expect less, no, but the support and volunteers I have seen this past week was more than I could have ever imagined. RCMP and Search and Rescue, your dedication created a happy ending to a terrifying story.
Let’s work together now, as we did during the search to talk, share, strengthen and be there for each other to overcome the shock of what will be known as the longest week in Sparwood.