For this month’s issue of The Beat, I found myself searching for the right words. In past editions, I’ve written about storm preparedness, the development of a CERT team, and other topics centered on readiness and resilience. And while this season has already brought its share of severe weather—reminding us once again of the importance of preparation— there are some things in life we simply cannot prepare for.

Trauma is one of them. It arrives unannounced, leaving behind a weight that words often fail to capture. No amount of planning or experience can fully shield us from its impact, and this month, that truth has been felt deeply within our community.

There is something about living in a small town that cannot be replicated elsewhere. It’s not found in a store or a busy shopping center. It’s not something you can manufacture. It’s a shared understanding— a bond—that those in rural communities know well. And here, the Waverly community extends far beyond any city limit sign. It reaches into the surrounding countryside, connecting neighbors, friends, and even strangers in meaningful ways.

Over the past few months, I’ve witnessed that connection in action.

From the structure fire in February to the heartbreaking loss following the recent search for a missing child, this community has responded without hesitation. People showed up—immediately, selflessly, and without being asked. In moments of urgency and unimaginable grief, individuals set aside their own lives to support others. What followed was not just a response, but an outpouring of compassion—love and care meeting wounds that are deep, fresh, and lasting.

In times like these, we see the true strength of a small town. We see what it means to belong to something greater than ourselves. When tragedy strikes, titles and differences fade away. What remains is a shared commitment to stand beside one another, no matter the circumstance.

To the families affected by these recent tragedies, please know that this community stands with you. My prayer is that you find peace, strength, and guidance in the days ahead, and that healing—though it may take time—finds its way into your hearts.

Moments like these remind us not only of life’s fragility, but also of the incredible power of community. God bless this community, and God bless the United States of America.