Friday, September 2nd, a tragic car accident happened in DeKalb County. Two teenage boys were on their way to the first home football game of the season. One of the boys died on scene, while his friend was left in critical condition. After four long days of fighting for his life, the second boy was called home to God. Both boys were members of the DeKalb High School football team.

Since that day, our community and many others have come together in unity to support one another during this time of grief. The outreach from other schools has been unimaginable. Our rival schools made it clear that during times of hurt such as these, rivalries do not exist, we are united as one community.

People began fundraising through GoFundMe accounts that have currently raised over $33,000 in two days to help support the medical/funeral costs these two families will be faced with. Neighboring schools and community members have been hosting bake sales, selling t-shirts and bracelets, and so much more to donate the profits to the families of the boys.

Besides DeKalb, many other high school and middle schools have been showing their support by wearing blue and green (the boys' favorite colors). They have been posting pictures of seas of green and blue with the hashtag #PrayForDeKalb. Others have been sending kind words, tweeting heartfelt messages, and even wearing #34 and #78 on their helmets during their own football games to honor the football players. Even Russell Westbrook, a professional basketball player who plays for Oklahoma City Thunder, tweeted his support for the boy who was in critical condition fighting for his life.

Of course, raising money doesn't bring them back. Bake sales don't allow you to hug them or see their smile one last time... But if there's one thing I know for certain, it's that getting through hard times is a lot easier when you have people by your side. DeKalb High School and neighboring areas' teachers, staff, and administrators have opened their doors to provide support and compassion to the grieving students. The overflow of kind words and support that students from not only DeKalb High School, but graduates, adults, and students from other schools have for each other makes me proud to be a part of such a caring community whose first thought during such a tragedy is to lend a helping hand, prayers, and kind words to those enduring such an unthinkable loss.

A lot of teens have trouble knowing how to deal with the emotions they experience during the loss of their loved ones. The overwhelming amount of love and compassion felt from other schools speaks to their hearts. Feeling the love from these neighboring schools allows the hurting students to feel secure about expressing their grief. A local college, The University Of Saint Francis, is supporting the two football players by wearing blue during their first home game this Saturday.

God has a plan. He knows what He is doing, and the exact reasons for each event that occurs; even a tragedy such as this. Those boys were loved by so many, and God knew what amazing people they were. He was certain they had done their time here on earth and felt it was time for them to return home to Him. It makes my heart ache thinking about the grieving friends and family of these two boys that were taken too soon but I smile knowing they are looking over each and every single person who loved them. They are without suffering. They are with God, feeling the love the community is sharing with one another.

Never stop supporting one another. Never stop being a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to hold. Our community is strong enough to get through this, it is clear that we have such a strong support system. Thank those who are there for you. Thank you parents, teachers, friends, and even strangers for reaching out to you. Thank your school for providing grief counseling and giving you an extra person to talk to if you need it.

Life is short. You never know if this will be the last time you talk to someone. Always tell people how you feel about them. Hug your loved ones a little tighter. Remember who was there for you, and be there for anyone who needs someone to talk to. But most importantly, remember that once a baron, always a baron. We will get through this together, and we will always be #BaronStrong.