Vicki Harrison said, "Grief is like the ocean; it comes in waves, ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim."

Each month, each year has become harder and harder for the residents of Warrick County. In the past years we have faced more loss as a mass group of people than is necessary. The grief we have all felt has become increasingly difficult to take. We struggle as a community and fight hard for the lives of those we love and care for more than we care to realize. Here are five things you learn when tragedy strikes your hometown:

1. You are NEVER alone in your grief

While many of us already know this, it becomes far more obvious when young people become involved in the dangers that life brings. Countless days have pushed us toward each other, and it is more than apparent now that we aren't alone. Our friends, families, and teachers also grieve for our friends.

2. Our grief is not as small town as we think

Last month, after an intense day with those she loved, a beautiful young girl was taken from our world along with other members of her family. Everyone in the U.S. seemed to know about this tragedy, even prompting the nationally used #singforsophie and #weareallcastle. I never met Sophie personally, but I had heard her sing several times; each time more beautiful than the last. She was growing into a beautiful young performer and was loved by many, many people. I did, however, meet her father a few times. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet such a wonderful, loving and caring man. This experience showed us that not only marching bands across the country but also those who light the Empire State Building noticed our pain, and everything became blue. Truly, throughout this experience, we were all Castle. #bandtogether

3. Your family and friends are more important than just people around us

No one expects car accidents, boating accidents, or other accidents to happen. Because of all of these things, we sometimes take our friends and family members for granted. This is the time when you shouldn't. Tragedy strikes every day, every where, all the time. Hold everyone a little closer now, and remember to stay safe out in the world and on the road.

4. It is NEVER ACCEPTABLE to drive under the influence

I stress this more than anything else. The most recent event involved a driver who was under the influence. Of the three girls in the car, one passed on scene. She was a freshman at the high school I graduated from. The other two girls are still in the hospital, and one that I know of for sure, is in critical condition. Many people are praying for the girls and their families, and many, many people are angry beyond belief at the driver for his choices, actions, and the result of his behavior. #reachforthesky #prayformegan

5. You should never EVER feel bad about wanting to attend the funeral of someone you know

This is one thing that needs to be said. There have been several tragedies in the last six years here. From people going missing to freak accidents in the summer, there have been several occasions where people have been worried about attending the funerals of their friends. It sucks to know that people are afraid to attend memorial services because someone else told them they shouldn't. I left school during my senior year to attend a funeral of a boy who had been nothing but kind to me, and one girl (who had always treated him bad) told me that there was no way I knew him. This did not put me off. He was my friend, and I was happy to call him one. So go on, say goodbye on your own terms; without worrying about others.

My heart goes out to the families and friends of the beautiful people affected by these tragedies. May you find a little light in the dark and remember the good times instead of the bad.