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<p class="MsoNormal">Dear COE Community,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Like so many tragedies before, our nation and our community had not fully processed the events that occurred at the University of Virginia before learning of this weekend’s tragedy in Colorado Springs. And there are those in our community
with close ties to the earthquake that occurred in Indonesia (Java). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Regardless of how far away a tragedy may be when it occurs, we find ourselves not only considering the losses for that community, but also contemplating the connections, similarities, and reminders of our own lived experience and the communities
nearby. There is no common explanation that helps us understand the source of each of these events and for these occurring in such rapid succession we are torn between the anger and confusion associated with senseless acts of violence, and the sorrow and helplessness
associated with a devastating act of nature (as well as the myriad of emotions that fall between). The impact is similar, however – our sense of loss, our fear, and for some, renewed trauma.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While there is no salve for what we are each feeling around these events, there is at least one common thread that often stands out when we hear these stories – the accounts of heroism, bravery, selflessness, and compassion that frequently
show up in the same spaces. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As we track the events of just the past days, we are drawn desperately to these positive elements of the human condition that are also present and represent a critical part of the story. We are strengthened by the knowledge that the individuals,
teams, groups, and communities who step up in reaction to a tragedy, are also there --
<u>present and equally relevant</u> before the tragedy strikes. Sometimes these traits of heroism may seem dormant until they are necessary, but other times they are simply made salient by their juxtaposition with tragedy. Knowing that there are heroes among
us (or that we all have heroism within us), doesn’t resolve the tragedies that are behind us, but it does offer hope to know that those traits, people, and sentiments are present in every community. And they are here in ours on any given day.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As we mourn the unnecessary losses of Colorado Springs and the equally tragic losses of Java, we express silent gratitude to all the “everyday heroes” among us for your heroism both tested and untested. The person within 20 feet of you
at any given time, could be your greatest ally in a time of need. This is a sobering and comforting thought and one that makes us grateful to be part of this community.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With solidarity to the LGBTQI+ community, and compassion to all those impacted by these recent events.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dianna & Laura Lee <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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