Staff Photo by Dan Henry / The Chattanooga Times Free Press- 9/6/16. Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke stands in his office at the Chattanooga City Hall a few hours before kicking off his re-election campaign.
There is nothing more hopeful we do as a community than to send our children to school.
It is a daily testament, each morning, to our shared belief that we can make today better than yesterday, and tomorrow better than today. One day at a time and one child at a time.
The same is true at the end of the day, when there is nothing more joyful than to welcome our children home. All parents know the sound. The way the screen door opens. The way a familiar voice calls out.
But on Monday, Nov. 21, we did not hear that sound.
Instead we heard the sounds of sirens, emergency room doctors, police officers and firefighters. We mourn because we miss the more familiar sound - the sound of coming home. And our grief begs of God the question, "Why has it gone so soon?"
God, of course, is not gone. Our common faith teaches us that God is with the brokenhearted, both now and always.
Chattanoogans know the sound of silence all too well. On Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the accident, the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy leadership reached out. Because of the city's response following the attacks of July 16, 2015, their bond with our community remains ever strong. Their words this week were simple and reassuring, wanting Chattanoogans to know that 8,000 Marines and sailors stood with us again, starting their morning in silent prayer for our city.
Just as we did 16 months ago, our community has stepped into the gap to help those in need. Over this past week, my office has heard the sound of phones ringing, delivering hundreds of messages of sympathy and support from across the country. And over those calls and emails echoed a familiar question "How can I help?"
Almost immediately, the sounds of collaboration filled conference rooms across Chattanooga, as members of different organizations and foundations came together to support the families and community of Woodmore. Blood Assurance made the call for donations, United Way and Community Foundation quickly established a fund, a vigil was planned and counselors were available across the city in case a child needed to talk.
While we recognize those sounds of hope, after Monday's accident we also listened to heartbroken families as they mourned their loved ones. A grieving mother told me of her son's love of dancing; another of her daughter's penchant for joking. And stories filled the air about the personalities and talents of lives cut short.
On Tuesday, at Children's Hospital at Erlanger, one of the most hopeful sounds was of young kids, recovering from their injuries, playing with stuffed animals or spending a quiet moment in their parents' arms. To see a child at play, despite a limp or a scar, and to see a child smiling and whispering with his sister was as comforting as any sight this week.
So during this season, we must count our blessings.
I am a parent. I know the sound of my daughters coming home. I go to work each day determined to make sure that every parent in Chattanooga hears that sound every day. And so should we all.
On this Thanksgiving weekend, as we spend time with our friends and family, let's give thanks to the first responders who acted with courage and compassion during an unthinkable time. Let's be thankful for the doctors and caregivers who saved lives and comforted loved ones. Let's pray for the teachers, pastors, and residents of Woodmore as they hold up their community in this time of grief and sorrow.
And most importantly, let us all hold in our hearts each child and each family whose lives will never be the same, as they - and as we - search for the sounds of a better day.
Andy Berke is the mayor of Chattanooga.