Long after the TV reporters are gone, the families who lost loved ones will remain.

Long after the media’s attention has moved on to something else, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles — the list goes on and on — will daily feel the pain of loss.

The sadness felt by the family and friends of the eight people gunned down in a shooting spree will be unknowable to the rest of us. Though we can try to imagine their hurt, it’s impossible to understand completely.

Life will eventually return to normal for Lincoln County. The camera crews will leave, the reporters will go home, other news will grab the county’s attention. But life will never completely return to normal for the people impacted by this tragedy. How can it?

How do you get over the loss of a child, a mother, father? How do you get over the loss of a brother, a sister, an aunt and uncle?  We’re not sure you can, at least not completely.

In the days to come, the Lincoln County community will do its best to support those affected by this tragedy. This is a community of caring, loving and praying people.

In the coming days there will be countless meals prepared, flowers delivered, cards sent, heartfelt words spoken and prayers lifted. It’s what we do for those we love.

But what about in the coming months and years? As a community, it’s up to all of us to preserve the memories and legacies of these victims. It’s up to all of us to remember the loss and comfort those left behind. It’s up to all of us to continue to pray for those affected.