My Dear Falmouth, my heart aches for the friends and families of James and Owen, and for this town. These things aren't supposed to happen and there is really no good explanation. Today as I saw my former teammates, classmates, and teachers, all distraught and heartbroken over the loss of two incredible young men I wished so badly that I could do or say something to make this better, to ease this overwhelming pain, but I can't. But we are all doing the only thing we can do: and that is loving and supporting each other, and this town, in a time of tragedy.
The unity of FHS is something wonderful and unique. As someone who is two years removed I will admit I wanted to get out of there, but looking back now, especially at a time like this, I realize the never ending love and supprt I recieved in my years there. We are all friends, we are all family, and in good times and bad we have always faced them as a whole. Our town has seen this before with the loss of AJ Fernandes, something that shook us all and left us devestated. But what is so remarkable about Falmouth is that we don't let these hardships break us, of course we feel pain and sorrow, but we allow it to bring us closer and use it to hold one another up in times of need. I cannot understand how two more young souls were taken so soon, I don't think anyone can, it isn't fair. That's all I could think today as I held sobbing friends, was that this isn't fair, to the boys, to their families, to their friends, to this town. Though I wasn't friends with James and Owen, we went to school together, I watched them play, I followed them on social media, and while you're out there living your life you never think it will happen to people you know, to your school, to your town and your friends.
To my friends still in high school, my heart breaks for you. A lot of the girls whos tears I wiped today were on my field hockey team when I was captain, and seeing them so melancholy today ripped my heart in two. As someone who is older, who was a leader and role model to them, I feel like I am supposed to make it better, give them answers, somehow take the indescribable pain they are feeling away and it hurts me that I cannot. But FHS is the most strong and supportive community that I know. Your pain will not just go away, but you have each other, and that is a precious gift. There are so many coaches and teachers, friends and parents, all here to support you, to give you a helping hand in your time of need. Don't be afraid to cry together, or laugh together and talk about fond memories of the deseased. Remember the friendships you had with them and the memories you made and try to find some little ounce of comfort in the fact that even through your saddness you can smile in remembrance of the past.
I think the most important thing to remember here is that life is short, and that tomorrow is not promised. Hug your friends and tell you that you love them every chance you get. Hangout with an old friend you lost touch with. Tell people how you feel about them because you never know when the last time you see them will be. We teengers and young adults, we think we are invinsible and indestructible, and this tragedy is a harsh reminder that we are not. Live your life to the fullest and be grateful for each morning that you wake up. Lead a life that makes you happy and that you are proud of, not only for yourself, but for souls like James and Owen who we lost far too early. And while I know that none of these words will stop your tears from flowing and mend your broken hearts, I hope they remind you of the support system you have, the fond memories you have made, and that life is a precious, precious thing.
To my hometown, I love you all. The saying "One town, one family" rings so true. The amount of people who showed their support and love for James and Owen today was beautiful and honestly cannot be described. Life goes on whether we want it to or not, and it doesn't seem right without them, but hold their memories near and dear to your heart and think of them with all that you do. Our town will never be the same, but we will always be together. Rest in peace boys.
Love Always,
Olivia Jane
The unity of FHS is something wonderful and unique. As someone who is two years removed I will admit I wanted to get out of there, but looking back now, especially at a time like this, I realize the never ending love and supprt I recieved in my years there. We are all friends, we are all family, and in good times and bad we have always faced them as a whole. Our town has seen this before with the loss of AJ Fernandes, something that shook us all and left us devestated. But what is so remarkable about Falmouth is that we don't let these hardships break us, of course we feel pain and sorrow, but we allow it to bring us closer and use it to hold one another up in times of need. I cannot understand how two more young souls were taken so soon, I don't think anyone can, it isn't fair. That's all I could think today as I held sobbing friends, was that this isn't fair, to the boys, to their families, to their friends, to this town. Though I wasn't friends with James and Owen, we went to school together, I watched them play, I followed them on social media, and while you're out there living your life you never think it will happen to people you know, to your school, to your town and your friends.
To my friends still in high school, my heart breaks for you. A lot of the girls whos tears I wiped today were on my field hockey team when I was captain, and seeing them so melancholy today ripped my heart in two. As someone who is older, who was a leader and role model to them, I feel like I am supposed to make it better, give them answers, somehow take the indescribable pain they are feeling away and it hurts me that I cannot. But FHS is the most strong and supportive community that I know. Your pain will not just go away, but you have each other, and that is a precious gift. There are so many coaches and teachers, friends and parents, all here to support you, to give you a helping hand in your time of need. Don't be afraid to cry together, or laugh together and talk about fond memories of the deseased. Remember the friendships you had with them and the memories you made and try to find some little ounce of comfort in the fact that even through your saddness you can smile in remembrance of the past.
I think the most important thing to remember here is that life is short, and that tomorrow is not promised. Hug your friends and tell you that you love them every chance you get. Hangout with an old friend you lost touch with. Tell people how you feel about them because you never know when the last time you see them will be. We teengers and young adults, we think we are invinsible and indestructible, and this tragedy is a harsh reminder that we are not. Live your life to the fullest and be grateful for each morning that you wake up. Lead a life that makes you happy and that you are proud of, not only for yourself, but for souls like James and Owen who we lost far too early. And while I know that none of these words will stop your tears from flowing and mend your broken hearts, I hope they remind you of the support system you have, the fond memories you have made, and that life is a precious, precious thing.
To my hometown, I love you all. The saying "One town, one family" rings so true. The amount of people who showed their support and love for James and Owen today was beautiful and honestly cannot be described. Life goes on whether we want it to or not, and it doesn't seem right without them, but hold their memories near and dear to your heart and think of them with all that you do. Our town will never be the same, but we will always be together. Rest in peace boys.
Love Always,
Olivia Jane