Ruth Berg took tickets at the basketball games. One day, I had a migraine and she went out of her way to help me get what I needed. She even checked on me later to make sure I was okay.


John Carlson was such a sweet man. When my husband and I were new to the school, he helped us find our way around the during teacher conferences.

We’re also praying for those still in the hospital hoping that they will make it. What’s crazy is, school is supposed to start in three weeks. You can’t help but be thankful that this didn’t take place while school was in full session.

Front of school

As we watched the attempt to clear hanging debris from the wall, we watch the whole thing come down right before our eyes. This was especially troubling as we all knew one victim was still under the rubble.



After the smoke cleared. This building was built in 1912 and will probably have to come down.





How to Cope When Trategy Hits 

1. Pray, pray, and pray some more. I cannot tell you enough how important this is to keep your mind right.

2. Attend vigils or prayer services to show solidarity. There is strength in numbers and it helps to be around those who can relate.

3. Talk with your child. No doubt your child will have a lot of questions. Don’t be afraid to be real with them.

4. Take it one day at a time. It will get better. Eventually.

5. Don’t be afraid to seek counseling if you need it.

We still have so many questions. Will the school be safe when they return? Where will my kid go to school? But I know that God has it all under control. Every. Last. Part. This is a time that we really have to put our faith and trust in him.

Please pray for the families that have been affected by this tragedy.

17 Comments

  1. Theresa
    August 4, 2017 / 4:50 pm

    What an accident and tragedy. My heart and prayers go out to all those lost in the gas explosion, those recovering and those dealing or affected with the the school's accident. I'm sure even if they postpone school opening they are resilient and somehow they will make things happen for the students. Number one priority is the safety of all and healing.

    • Stacie Raye
      August 5, 2017 / 2:24 pm

      Thanks for your prayers, Theresa. I know that everything will work out in time.

  2. Lou Martin
    August 5, 2017 / 2:12 am

    My heart goes out to everyone affected. 😢

    • Stacie Raye
      August 5, 2017 / 2:33 pm

      Thank you Lou!

  3. Houseful Of Nicholes
    August 7, 2017 / 1:37 pm

    Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry that this happened to you and to all of the other families. Tragedies like this make you think long and hard about everything, especially your babies. I'm so heartbroken for you, and for the community. Many prayers going up.

  4. Olivia
    August 8, 2017 / 12:38 pm

    Sorry for this tragedy. May God be with your community and loved ones. It's so difficult being connected closely to national tragedies. You offer excellent tips for dealing with this. Thank you!

  5. Kita
    August 8, 2017 / 1:07 pm

    I am so sorry this happened. Definitely praying for the families of those that passed and for families like yours. The children will need so much support.

  6. Shantel
    August 8, 2017 / 5:41 pm

    Omg I can only imagine the pain a d trauma. Definitely praying for all those affected.

  7. Unknown
    August 9, 2017 / 1:22 am

    Wow! Thank you for sharing this post! I had not heard about this explosion. Praying for all the families and the school and the city.

  8. Socamom.com
    August 9, 2017 / 2:23 am

    My goodness. I can't even imagine what your family and the others are going through. Praying for your community and the kids that are affected by this tragic event.

  9. Unknown
    August 9, 2017 / 5:01 am

    I don't even know how I would be able to cope as a child. Our children have been dealing with so much trauma. You are absolutely right to continue praying. I hope that you and your family find strength in your community.

  10. Cleverly Changing
    August 9, 2017 / 12:41 pm

    I remember seeing the explosion on TV, but I didn't know that people passed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and all those people affected by this tragedy.

  11. Unknown
    August 9, 2017 / 5:56 pm

    This is so sad. When you send your babies offf to school you'd like to think they'll be safe. And return home to you safely. I am so sad this has happened.

  12. Tiffany
    August 9, 2017 / 5:58 pm

    wow, I had not heard about this tragic story. Prayers and condolences to the family. So glad that the children were at school during the time as the death causalities could have been a lot higher. Sorry for your lost

  13. Sabrina
    August 10, 2017 / 12:38 am

    May God be with your family and community during this time. I agree with all the ways that you have listed … Although it can be somber, vigils can be healing. Thank you for sharing

  14. Kiwi
    August 10, 2017 / 7:28 am

    OMG this is awful. Thank God this didnt happen when school started, I really didnt know about this I been overseas but this is so tragic. I probably wouldnt want to enroll my kid there but I do hope the best for your kids this year.

  15. Chanel
    August 10, 2017 / 4:38 pm

    I had not heard about this story before your post. What a horrible thing to happen to your children's school and I will keep the families in my prayers.

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