When Things Feel Hard to Make Sense Of

This past Saturday, I was having a wonderful time and feeling grateful for all that I have in my life. With Christmas approaching, I found myself reflecting on one of the best jobs I ever had during my college years: working at a Christmas tree lot. For three years, I worked during winter break and helped people pick out trees and load them onto their cars. It was pure joy.

And then I woke up Sunday to relentless tragic news.

That morning, we learned of a horrific antisemitic shooting in Australia, targeting the Jewish community of Bondi Beach. We learned that Rob Reiner and his wife had been murdered. We learned about the killing of two American servicemen in Syria. And we learned of a terrible school shooting at Brown University, where three Colorado Academy graduates currently attend (thankfully, all are safe). I find myself struggling to understand what is happening in our world. Like so many of you, I worry about our children and what they are seeing.

I want to pause here to express our support for the Jewish community of Bondi Beach and for Jewish communities everywhere, who continue to face hatred and violence simply for who they are. We unequivocally denounce antisemitism and all forms of hatred. There is no place for this kind of violence in our world or in any community, and we stand in solidarity with those who are grieving, hurting, and feeling targeted.

In the aftermath of the shooting in Australia, we saw video of a brave Muslim man, Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old father and shop owner, who disarmed one of the shooters and was then shot himself by one of the assailants. His actions remind us all of our shared humanity.  We also heard people around the world cry out against hatred and denounce such a violent act.

Here in the United States, many grappled with the killing of an actor and artist who entertained generations as “Meathead” and helped create iconic films such as This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men, and When Harry Met Sally. 

And then there is the unresolved shooting at a prestigious university, where students were simply studying for final exams and going about their daily routines. Given that we have graduates there, this felt especially personal for many in our community. 

Taken together, all of this is very hard to reconcile.

I want to say this clearly: It is okay that none of this makes sense. These atrocities and heinous acts are deeply disturbing, and we are not “crazy” for feeling shaken, confused, or overwhelmed by them. Our grief, disbelief, and concern, especially for our children, are natural, human, and necessary responses.

I truly had hoped to write a joyful, lighthearted message about my time working at a Christmas tree lot. But in this moment, that feels incongruous.

So instead, my wish for all of you during this holiday season is simple: Love the people who matter most in your life. And please remember to love and to listen to those who may need it most right now. Be attentive and present with one another. Check in. Notice who is struggling or who may need patience more than answers. Choose kindness in practical, everyday ways. What we have at Colorado Academy is something truly special. Let’s do our best in the coming year to care for it and sustain it together.

In the midst of all of this, I was reminded of what is possible when we choose care and action over despair. Last Saturday, our Seniors led the HOPE event, welcoming nearly 1,100 attendees from the Denver Metro Area. The day was filled with joy, thoughtfulness, and genuine connection, offering access to vaccinations, dental care, and essential resources, and of course toys and clothing, while also creating moments of dignity, warmth, and belonging. Watching our students lead with compassion, humility, and purpose was deeply inspiring. In times that can feel overwhelming, they have reminded us that hope is not an abstract concept: It is nurtured through service, presence, and showing up for others.

And finally, wish me luck as I drive two very nervous rescue dogs to my parents’ home in Tucson, Ariz., with some camping adventures planned along the way. These dogs are a bit nuts, but they offer unconditional love, something we could all strive to give a little more freely. Life can be unpredictable, but leaning into patience and acceptance can and will lead to good things.

Thank you for being part of this special community.