Recently, I’ve seen so much loss in our Front Royal community. On Friday, tragedy struck once again. A parent, who was on the high school hike with Sara passed away on the trail, leaving a wave of shock and sadness rippling through our school community. Moments like these remind us of how fragile life can be, and how important it is to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually—especially when faced with loss.
When we encounter grief, it’s easy to feel like we’re drowning in it. In my experience, I’ve come to see grief as an ocean. Sometimes, we try to fight the waves, standing firm against the tide, hoping to push through. But the truth is, no matter how strong we are, the ocean is relentless. If we fight too long, we get worn down. Sometimes, the only thing we can do is let the waves wash over us, accepting that grieving is part of healing. It’s a healthy process, not something we should feel ashamed of or resist. It’s okay to feel sadness, to sit with it, and to allow it to flow through us.
I was especially moved by what my wife shared regarding the high school boys. They carried EMT gear up the mountain that day, some running up and down miles of rugged terrain to relay messages when cell phone service failed. Their acts of service in such a difficult moment is a testament to the strength of our young people, and it’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of community.
At BattleGrounds Fitness, we talk about the value of physical resilience, but
that’s only part of the equation. Our mental and spiritual well-being are just as important. Whether you’re dealing with grief, stress, or just the challenges of daily life, it’s crucial to take care of yourself on all levels. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Find ways to move your body, calm your mind, and tend to your spirit now—before the waves come.
For anyone reading this and thinking I might be using this tragedy for benefit, I want to make it clear—that’s not the case. Like many in this community, I’m feeling the loss too. I’ve been writing a blog every Monday for several weeks now, and I usually reflect on what was most poignant to me from the weekend. This event, this loss, weighed heavily on me and my family (especially Sara), and it felt important to share my thoughts on how we all deal with grief and how we can support each other through it.
As we approach November 9th, I encourage you to join us for the Battle Buddy Brawl. This event is about more than just fitness; it’s about camaraderie, community, and honoring those who have served and sacrificed. Whether you participate or sponsor, your involvement makes a difference. Let’s continue to build a community that lifts each other up, especially in tough times.
We’ll see you there—standing strong, together.
May Mark, Ned, Katie, Eleanor, and Ken rest in peace. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
