Looking back a year ago today, it seems miraculous that only two men - Alan Little and Glenn Roche - died at Lakeland Mills last April 23.
It could easily have been many more, as the workers who have spoken to reporter Ted Clarke over the last two weeks have noted. We published Clarke's work in our Saturday and Monday issues.
The community rallied around Lakeland, holding numerous fundraisers and coming up with nearly half a million dollars in support funds for the workers who suddenly found themselves out of work. That generosity was a cooling balm on the horrible mental and physical anguish of the two dozen Lakeland workers injured in the explosion and fire but the pain still remains and for many, it will last for a lifetime.
Along with the physical deformities, the unseen but all-too-present emotional and brain injuries continue to plague many of the victims.
For the Roche and Little families, today will be so difficult. Ronda Roche told us that when she saw her husband in the emergency ward at UHNBC late that night, he was "black like a coal miner."
Smell is the sense that goes deepest into our memories and Ronda remembers the smell of burned flesh most of all.
Wednesday night will be even worse for Ronda and her son Mason. She knows the exact time - 8:43 p.m. - that he died the following day in an Edmonton hospital, completely wrapped in bandages except for his eyes and mouth.
He stopped breathing while his son was reading Psalm 23 to him, Ronda said, recalling how "soothing" and "peaceful" the moment was.
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters," reads the second verse of the psalm.
In a book filled with beautiful words written to bring wisdom and understanding, particularly during the most trying of times, Psalm 23 is eloquent and direct. In just six short verses, starting with the famous "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," the entire passage is a reminder that we are never, ever completely alone.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me," reads the fourth verse.
This one simple line speaks to both Glenn on his dying bed and his son speaking the words. For Glenn, it's spiritual comfort on his dying bed. For Mason, it's also a declaration to his father - I fear nothing because you're with me, dad, and your guidance will always be with me.
The Civic Centre is hosting a memorial service tonight to remind us of our loss as individuals and as a community on April 23, 2012.
It's still too soon, however, to talk about healing.
For the Lakeland victims, they're still trying to cope with what happened a year ago.
On the tough days, when it hurts most, coping would be a nice place to start.
For those of us more removed from the tragedy, we should not lose sight of the suffering that continues in our midst as a result of that horrible night.
And we should count our blessings all the more.
