Lutherville Families,
It has been a solemn week at Lutherville.
Alongside so many of you, we have ebbed and flowed on the waves of grief as they hit us. The loss of Bailee and Serenity has been devastating and unimaginable. Along with their loss has come the compounding effect of the pain our students bear confronting death and injustice. And then the reverberations felt by the community in supporting their children, classmates, and friends through the loss.
This morning we were reminded in conversation with some community members that grief can look different and pace differently for each of us, and for each child. Meeting each other with empathy, verbally recognizing how hard things are ("This is hard. Loss is hard."), and finding time to be with children in their preferred activities and allowing that comfort to bring about the opportunity to share (or just be close), can be deeply helpful.
Our spirits were lifted this week through the Drama Club's powerful performance on Tuesday morning, putting sound and song to the human experience and resilience. Among many touching memories and stories shared this week came a particularly moving one from Ms. Reid. She shared a note and drawing that the girls, who grew close with her while she was at Lutherville, had mailed to her at her home school. On the picture were lyrics from Benson Boone's "In the Stars." Many of us have, since, had cathartic tears brought out by listening to that song, one more gift from these two special young ladies.
Below is an image we're passing along from Bailee's family, who will host a Celebration of Life for her on Thursday, April 17th. Details are shared below. In time, as families, friends, and loved ones are ready, we will continue to share additional memorial opportunities as they develop.
We wish all our Lutherville families and community a restful and rejuvenating break. We look forward to seeing our Leopard Family again on Tuesday, April 22nd.
In Partnership,
Mr. McComb
p.s. Attached at the bottom of the newsletter is public notice of lead testing in water at Lutherville. As poor as the timing is, we are required to pass it along in a timely manner. It is below for your reading.
