It’s hard to imagine moving forward without the ones we love the most -- that’s the reality for 21 families in Uvalde.
“They’re going through something they’ve never had to go through before,” Mary Beth Fisk, executive director of the Ecumenical Center said.
Eva Mireles’ daughter Adalynn shared a video from last year’s celebration with her mom. She wrote in part, “tomorrow is the start of the first year I do not have you with me.”
This video was last year Dec 31, I miss your voice momma 💔 pic.twitter.com/uaRj7uWupR
— Adalynn ✞💛 (@addy_celeste) December 31, 2022
Amerie Jo Garza’s mom Kimberly Garcia shared this sentiment, “there’s no coming into a New Year, not without you sweet girl.”
Staying in 2022 with you. There’s no coming into a “New Year” not without you Sweet Girl. I love you always and forever 💜 pic.twitter.com/wcJALubfRu
— Kimberly Garcia (@kim_amerie) December 31, 2022
Gloria Cazares wonders how to go into 2023 without being able to hold, touch, see or hear her daughter Jackie.
How am I suppose to go into a New Year where I will not be able to hold, touch, see or hear you? How am I suppose to live this life without you? My heart is in pain, my stomach is in nots and my body is numb thinking I’m leaving you behind in 2022… pic.twitter.com/FSy1M0VBhy
— Gloria Cazares (@GloriaCazares82) December 31, 2022
Meanwhile, Lexi Rubio’s mom Kimberly echoed those same words. She promised to stay forever in 2022.
I want to walk back in time toward you but it seems that is too great an ask. Instead, I’ll just linger here because I never want to be too far from my last memories with you.
— Kimberly Mata-Rubio (@kimrubio21) December 31, 2022
Alexandria Aniyah Rubio, I’ll stay forever with you - in 2022💛 pic.twitter.com/zqH3HE2bg2
But for survivors like Caitlyne Gonzales, her mom will be watching her closely. She wrote she’ll be sure to have noise-canceling headphones for the fireworks so her daughter’s PTSD doesn’t flare.
“This is just New Year’s Eve. This is not being back in a combat situation or an assault situation,” Dr. Harry Croft said. “This is here. This is now.”
Dr. Croft is a PTSD expert. He said it’s important to prepare for all of the sensory triggers like sights, smells, and sound but also be prepared in ways to combat those things.
Tonight we are anticipating lots of fireworks to ring in the New Year but for some the celebration triggers PTSD from gun violence. At 9 pm, we are speaking with experts about how to cope with those symptoms. @ksatnews pic.twitter.com/qWfZ9Vw2cU
— Leigh Waldman (@LeighWaldman) January 1, 2023
“You talk to yourself about I’m going to be experiencing these things and try to help yourself blunt the startle response,” Croft said.
Mary Beth Fisk has worked for months in Uvalde as the director of the Uvalde Together Resiliency Center. She said families should have a plan for New Year’s Eve.
“Be honest with the children. But as the adult, make sure that you’re putting protective factors in for them,” Fisk said.
She explained headphones or staying inside can help dull the loud sounds, but it’s also important to create a safe space.
“Look at the ways that you feel, that you can feel safe together and you can comfort each other,” Fisk said.
Fisk and Croft also insist that seeking professional help is going to be vital in treating PTSD long term.
“This doesn’t go away generally on its own. And so getting treatment and treatment doesn’t necessarily mean taking a pill. It could be talking therapy and learning how to deal with these. It’s life experiences in a different way,” Dr. Croft said.
“It’s very important to seek professional help in working through that. There definitely can be strides made, but reaching out to a professional, licensed counselor in the state of Texas...would be critically important,” Fisk said.
Equally as important, it’s key to be a good supporter of your loved one experiencing PTSD.
Let that person know you’re there for them and that it’s okay not to be okay.