Silver Rail Elementary isn't just a name in the news to me. I used to live in that neighborhood, and my very first job after high school was working there as a custodian. I mopped those halls, emptied those classrooms at the end of the day, and saw the kids' artwork go up on the walls every season. When I walked those halls, I knew the students. They'd wave and say hi, and I knew the teachers and staff who poured their hearts into that building every single day. That school was a family, and it was part of mine. Friends of mine have kids who go there today. When I heard what happened on October 15, my heart just dropped. I got in my car and drove over right away to make sure my friends and their families were okay. I'm a dad now. I have a daughter, and like every parent in Bend, I've spent the last few days thinking about the families who sent their kids to school that morning expecting an ordinary day. My heart is with the students, the families, the teachers and staff, and every first responder who ran toward danger. No child, no parent, and no teacher in our community should ever have to go through this. In the days since, I've seen what Bend is made of. Neighbors bringing flowers and candles, strangers holding each other, people quietly asking, "What do you need?" Grief like this doesn't have a timeline, and nobody should carry it alone. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out. You can call or text 988 any time, day or night. And you can always reach out to me. Send me a message here anytime. Whether you need someone to talk to, help finding resources, or just a neighbor to listen, I'm here for this community. I've been leaning on my faith this week, and these words keep me going: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18) "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4) Hug your kids tonight. Check on your neighbors. Thank a teacher. Bend, we'll get through this together, one day at a time, and we will never forget. — Jonathan Curtis #BendOregon #SilverRailElementary #BendStrong #CentralOregon #Bend #PrayForBend