Who we are when the worst happens

There isn’t much to say about the horrifying shooting in Northern British Columbia where 9 people (including the perpetrator) were killed and dozens more injured, including some critically. I can’t imagine the parents’ pain. I wish I knew what to do to help.

And the same about the murder-suicide in Kitigan Zibi where a man killed his two children before taking his own life.

It’s not much by way of comfort but it is good that politicians all took a giant break from politics to express sympathy and support for the victims. Which is what is most needed. It is good that the prime minister should invite other party leaders to attend the vigil on Friday.

It is also good and comforting that public authorities, the police, the media, and virtually every other person whose comments I saw, expressed themselves with respect. It is good that — except for a few exceptions that probably originated in rage-farms and other click-bait bots — we did not erupt into divisive partisanship over guns, or trans issues, or, well, anything else that might be divisive. We reacted with dignity and restraint, offering support, sympathy, prayers and love.

This country has been through a lot lately, yet when the worst happens, we show up with our best selves. That is worth remembering, especially on difficult days.