On December 16, 2024, there was a shooting at my school--Abundant Life Christian School, in Madison, Wisconsin--that resulted in three deaths. It was, and still is, a devastating event that has flipped life upside down for many, many people. Looking back on that specific day, my friends and I shared feelings of shock, confusion, and loss. It has been a long and tiring process, but there is healing in the works.
As soon as the emergency call went out, the community around us immediately jumped in to give support. The first helpers I remember seeing were the police officers, firefighters, and volunteers from the Community Crisis Team. My most memorable supporters, however, were the dogs from The Go Team Therapy Dogs of Madison. They were there to be pet by, to lay next to, and to just be cute and comforting to students, teachers, and families. The dogs continue to come to our school every day, being a warm and gentle presence as we continue to heal. My favorite dogs are Belle, a Golden Retriever, and a Newfoundland named Sully.
Several restaurants in the greater Madison area stepped up to raise money for my school’s emergency fund. The first donors, and most notable, were the eighty Culver’s locations across Wisconsin who raised $165,000 in one night! It really showed me how much people care. Customers waited in line for over an hour to get their food. I was amazed to see the lines of cars and people inside and outside the restaurant who wanted to help us. To any of you who participated and bought food that night: thank you so much!
This tragedy had brought much sadness, anger, and loss to our school. I know we will never be the same again. But I also know that God is with us in this time of darkness, and He will bring us through to the other side, stronger and closer to Him than ever before.
Abby Britain (pictured here with Belle, the Golden Retriever) is a freshman student of Abundant Life Christian School, and attends the Madison East SDA Church.
Comments