Letter From the Editor: Go Forward with Kindness
From the Editor,
When I began this website in December, the fear of not being able to find the right words sat on my mind like mist to glass. Always there; ever-so gently reminding me of its presence as I tried to envision my ideas or thoughts.
Over the past 46 hours, the mist became a flood as I fought to understand the information coming to me, and fought harder on how to report it to all of you. I waded through the reports as I floated between my position as a member of the press, and as a member of the community.
Inevitably, I was the one who broke the news to some of you that our community lost two of its members. Those were the hardest words I’ve ever had to type - and I feel that you should know: I am here with all of you - I will not remain behind my computer screen. I am here with you. As your neighbor: I am so sorry.
In times of grief, disaster, or loss - we feel a collective desire to do something to help; anything. We email our leaders, we call our family, we text our friends; anything.
Love those around you harder, wave to your neighbors, learn the name of the person behind the deli counter, put your phone on silent, or go for a walk along the beach; anything.
Find what allows you and your family the time to process. Be honest with your children, be honest with yourself, and be honest in knowing that this is not easy.
If you are concerned about inadvertently seeing articles or photos about this tragedy, please view the Good News Only filter of our site to give yourself a moment to breathe. We all need a moment.
Please keep family, friends, educators, and first responders in your nearest thoughts as we go forward.
And - go forward with kindness. Because if anything can be done, it’s being kind.
In partnership,
Jaime Bairaktaris, Executive Editor & Founder
The Westport Local Press
The following resources are available for those who are in need of support:
Westport Together - Online resources
Westport Department of Human Services - Local resources
RULER Method for Children’s Social Emotional Learning - Parent resources
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 - National Resources for Mental Health
Connecticut Mobile Psychiatric Crisis Team: Call 211 - Connecticut Resources
Kids in Crisis: 203-327-KIDS - 24 Hour Connecticut Kids’ Crisis Counselors
Suicide Lifeline: 203-273-TALKS - National Lifeline