In the Club

Yesterday, August 28, 2023, my family joined a club

One that no one wants to join

I was on a call. I saw I had a missed call from my bride. Then another. Then another.

I told the folks on the other line, “Y’all. Something’s wrong. I have to go”

Sure enough.

“There’s a shooting in Chapel Hill. On campus. [Our daughter] is at her house”

“Noooo”

Well, from 1:45 until 7:00 there were calls, texts, messages on social medias

“Is [your child] ok?”

“Yes”

But not really

Our asking “Is [your child] ok”

“Yes”

But not really

All the local folks with children at Chapel Hill checking on each other

College pals checking in on each other

Our younger child’s school calling to check in with us to see if they should inform her of what was happening at her sister’s university

Calls from parents, aunts, uncles, folks in NYC, folks in CA, Godfamily across the Pond

So many messages

A call around 3:30

“Dad, our doorbell rang”

“Do NOT answer it”

“Dad, I’m scared”

Me, too

Me, too

Turns out it was just the mail man

I know there were a lot of Carolina blue tears

“Is everyone ok?”

Nope

Sure aren’t

Speaking of Carolina Blue, our mortal and most hated rivals down 15-501 let everyone know that there was only one color of blue yesterday. Thank you, Duke.

And, this club is one I never wanted to join. No parent wants to join. And, yet, our memberships swell

I was fine all through the afternoon

I was fine through the all clear announcement

I was fine on calls to friends and family

I was fine until our Chancellor gave his press conference. He’s been through a lot during his tenure.

Then, I was not fit for company

May not be for a while

We had a family member who was prone to lachrymose spells. Well, let’s just say I took up Aunt Carrie’s mantel and wept freely. Not that jagging cry with heaving shoulders. Just that one where water leaks from tear ducts without control for several hours

I pray none of you join this club.

Its dues are way too high and the membership is too large.

There are no benefits.

None.

With love and thanks to our friends, family, and all those who put the University of North Carolina on their prayer lists. Go Heels! And, yes, it’s still a Great Day to be a Tar Heel.