by Jennifer Gilliland
21 individual roses were placed in front of the Commissioners Court Monday and the names read of the angels lost on May 24,2022; Nevaeh, Jackie, Jose, Ellie, Irma, Uziyah, Amarie, Xavier, Jayce, Tess, Maranda, Eva, Alithea, Annabell, Lexi, Maite, Layla, MaKenna, Jailah, Elihanna, and Rojelio. The County Clerk received training and funding to migrate to online services meaning that citizens could retrieve vital documents online in the future. Again, Commissioner Pargas was absent, but remains on the payroll which is a slap in the face to the 21 families and the survivors of May 24th. Javier Cazares and Belinda Arreola confronted the commissioners on this issue.
Later that day, the City held a press conference requesting privacy for the families as well as the community during this week. A lot of questions were raised about the ongoing investigation and still no answers or accountability from District Attorney Christina Mitchell. The frustration is visible and palpable with everyone involved. Additionally, the demolition of Robb is held up by the investigation.
My anger and frustration still remains due to the lack of action, accountability, and change. I sent a text to Arnie that horrible day and I never had a response back. Looking back, I am not sure I would have messaged him knowing what I know now.16 others survived the 24th, but their lives are changed forever along with the 21 families, and the teacher and students from Robb Elementary
I know there are some in the community that wish this all would go away and move on. Perhaps you would feel differently if it was your wife, mom, dad, daughter, son, sister, brother, relative, or friend. I can guarantee that the 21 families, survivors, teachers and students will always wish the 24th was just a horrible nightmare. Unfortunately, it’s not, the healing will happen through love and compassion, answers, accountability, change, and God’s grace.
