Your feelings of shock and guilt are not at all unusual. Grief can manifest in a variety of ways, and will take some time to play out. The best advice i can give is to not try to turn off your feelings, but cry when you can. Be there for your friends and don't be afraid to reach out to them in the weeks and months ahead. Death is not something our culture handles very well, so often we avoid talking about it for fear of offending.
It is this kind of shocking tragedy that cuts so deeply, and really tests our beliefs. If you are a person of faith, hopefully this experience will help bring you closer to the ultimate. If you are without a spiritual dimension, tragedy like this can help remind us to appreciate each and every moment we have as they are all so fleeting.
For all of us this is a reminder to connect with those in our lives and not be afraid to share how we feel. Hug your kids, tell dad you love him, call that friend you miss, be nice to strangers around you. Our time is all so short, it would be a shame to miss it.
My thoughts and prayers will be with everyone touched by this sudden and tragic passing.
- Ian
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