Mon Dieu.

If there was ever a column that one did not want to write, it would be this one, but the horrors and tragedy that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, BC are so raw and ugly that a nation weeps.

This is not about the events themselves. Media has saturated our minds and hearts for days. Rather, this is about the responses from governments, especially local governments. The outpouring of compassion and caring for the people and the community has been extraordinary.

It starts with Mayor Darryl Krakowka who has fought through his own tears to speak with media from, well, everywhere. As the community's elected leader, he bore the awful responsibility to represent the town to the world. He has been an exemplary spokesperson during this time when the town is awash is agony and hurt.

Prime Minister Carney said, "What happened has left our nation in shock and all of us in mourning." Pierre Poilievre said, "We all stand together. There is no partisanship on this day."

Sympathy letters from King Charles and world leaders have been openly shared. BC Premier Eby has been stalwart in the long hours and days that have followed the mass shooting. And civic leaders from across Canada have all in their own way sent messages, offered thoughts and prayers, and represented their own community to this tiny BC town that is in so much agony.

It has been powerful that so many Olympians have expressed their sympathy and support. So have professional athletes and teams, as have writers, artists, artisans, and just plain folks. It is sad that it takes such an abominable act to bring us together.

What always stands out in cases such as this is the strength, character, and compassion of the local community leaders. From the RCMP to the local pastor, from the parents who cannot stop hugging their kids, from everyone in Tumbler Ridge who will be scarred by this forever, some solace is being offered from cities across Canada.

The worst, of course, is the parents and families who will not be hugging their kids or family members. Words cannot express the sympathy we feel for them. Perhaps, in time, they will come to realize this national outpouring of grief, and it may provide a tiny bit of healing. Our hearts are pulsating with grief and sympathy for each of the victims and their families.

It is all so sad.