By Joe Johnson
Fallon Luthi had been planning to bring her children to see a high school football game last Friday night, but then Apalachee happened.
Instead of a game, the woman and her daughters ended up attending a memorial for the victims and survivors of the mass shooting that on Wednesday claimed the lives of four students and teachers, injured nine others, and traumatized an entire community.
Luthi afterwards went to the Facebook Raves and Reviews for Barrow County Citizens Facebook page and posted the following:
Friday night was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced in my entire life, but also one of the most beautiful things to witness.
I never thought we would have something so tragic happen so close to home. Our community came together for Apalachee HS in heartbreak, instead of the planned football game at Monroe HS.
Many of the Apalachee Athletes were there in honor of their teachers, friends, beloved football coach, and to work through their pain,
As sad as it was, I was also extremely proud of my three sweet daughters for having such big hearts & for being so loving towards all of the Apalachee kids there. My oldest, Sadie, was teary eyed seeing kids her age who had just gone through an unimaginable tragedy.
During the vigil all three of my girls wrapped their arms around me, & I held onto them a little tighter than usual. As we were about to leave we saw an Apalachee cheerleader who was inconsolably crying, so Scarlett (my 8 yr old) turned to me & asked if she could hug her. Scarlett walked over to the girl and said “Are you ok? Do you go to Apalachee school?” The girl replied I’m ok & yes. Scarlett then asked, “Can I give you a hug?” The girl smiled & told her yes you can.
Scarlett gave her a really big hug, & the girl hugged her so tightly & for so long it was beautiful to see. Scarlett said, “she hugged me with both arms & so tightly.” I was crying like a baby. It was amazing to see the surrounding communities come together & care for one another during such a devastating time. #barrowstrong #lovewillprevail #Monroestandswithchee #GeorgiaStrongSo
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