Both Barnes and Pierce said the healing process is far from finished. It was just all of a sudden, Barnes said. It was shocking, and some kids acted so cool about it. It will take time. I think it s an individual thing, Pierce said.
Some people deal with grief quicker than others.
Sometimes it takes several days to come to the realization that it happened. More than anything else, Barnes said, the students need to help one another through the next few weeks. They have to encourage each other, Barnes said. If they see someone grieving, they need to go to them. You d be surprised what a hug can do.