OPINION: A time for compassion and listening

I had an entirely different column planned for today — then Sunday came. 

Important conversations about political policy have their time and place. But this is neither the time nor the place. It’s a privilege having this platform. Today, I want to use it to extend my most sincere sympathy and love to the families who lost a piece of their hearts. I also want to express compassion for the firefighting and law enforcement families who are forever changed by this tragedy.  

Both our KC Dems community and our community at large have experienced a horrific tragedy. For many, the world still feels like it’s been spun off its axis. It doesn’t feel real. 

And yet, our community is rising to this occasion in inspiring ways. The trauma we experience defines only one moment; our response to hardship creates a legacy that echoes through our community for generations. 

What can you say or do in a time like this? Honestly, sometimes the most meaningful response is silence — not the absence of care, but the presence of deep listening. When words fall short, our actions can speak volumes.

Give families the space they need to heal, simply letting them know that you are ready to help when they are ready to receive. 

Resist the urge to assign blame or create division. We are all in this together. 

Sit with those who are hurting, allowing their sorrow to be seen, their anger to be heard, and their grief to be honored. This is how we begin to stitch the torn fabric of community — not with grand gestures, but with small, consistent acts of kindness.

If you need to take action, donate to the Red and Blue Foundation at this website: https://redbluefoundation.org/donations/. Select the “Canfield Incident Donations” option. 

As time marches on, keep an eye on our social media for ways to support the families impacted. Needs may change, but our commitment to showing up for our community must be consistent.

What happened Sunday transcends politics. By focusing on healing and connection now, we will be better equipped in the future to see each other as human beings when it is time to engage in tough conversations. 

These printed words are just the first rough draft of our community’s story. Together, let’s write a story defined by connection, compassion, and listening to each other. 

Wishing everyone in Kootenai County a joyful Independence Day filled with peace, renewed hope, and a vision for a brighter tomorrow.

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Sarah Martin is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.