Girl’s death hurts deeply

Girl’s death hurts deeply

Last week our community suffered a great tragedy. We lost Chanelle Villalobos to suicide. Although I personally did not know Chanelle, I feel so much pain for this child. As I grasp to understand and make sense of all this, I see the vast expression of varied emotions. Some sad, some angry and some scared. Yet through all of this, there is one thing that I see crystal clear, that we have very special children in our community.

The outpouring of love and support that our children have expressed to Chanelle and her family is amazing. I’ve seen how young people have rallied around Tommy, the victim’s brother, to hold his hand, hug him and tell him that they love him. They instinctively knew how to comfort him. I’ve read the beautifully written letters and poems that Chanelle’s friend and acquaintances have written. I’m sure that if these children wrote like that in their English classes they’d all get A’s.

In a time of tragedy and despair, our children stepped up to the plate and joined together as a community. They showed compassion, understanding, vulnerability and strength. I admire all of them and praise them for their efforts in such a trying time. If this is any indication of the adults that they will grow up to be, then we shall be very proud parents.

Our most sincere condolences to the family.

Norma Buha and family

Agoura Hills