Hometown Tradegy

Growing up I lived in "the bubble" - at least that's how everyone referred to our town. It's a quiet little place 20 minutes north of Boston with a population of 26,000 people - all who seemingly know each other. The high school band has won many accolades over the years, our sports teams are very successful and many of our students go on to do amazing things with organizations that benefit the greater good. Not only do a lot of the town's children return after college but there are a handfull of them that have gone on to become teachers within the town.

When I was young I took for granted the laid back quality of my hometown, and refused to end up "a townie." I guess I thought that if I returned to Danvers in my adult life that I would somehow miss out on something, that I would be succumbing to "the bubble." However, after Brian and I got married my view changed. Suddenly my hometown became the only place I wanted to be. Unfortunately for us, as the years past so did the popularity of living in our quaint little town and home prices skyrocketed. So ultimately when we were ready to buy a home we were unable to do so in the one place we truly wanted to raise our family. Although we've since bought a home elsewhere we are always keeping our eye on the market for our opportuty to return, there is nowhere I'd rather Lucas grow up. My mother is a teacher at one of the elementary schools and Brian's parents own a very popular flower shop downtown - Danvers really is where our hearts are.

So it was heartbreaking to wake up this morning and hear of the tragedy that unfolded over night. What started off as a missing child case turned into a homicide investigation. The details have yet to be released but what we do know so far is that sometime last evening a fourteen year old student at our high school murdered a twenty-four year old math teacher. He was found wandering down route one in Topsfield and her body was found in the woods behind the school. 

Her name was Colleen Ritzer and she was very well liked within the community. She herself was local, having grown up in Andover and attended Salem State University before beginning her career at Danvers High.

Just like the marathon bombings this is something that I would have NEVER thought would happen in my hometown. It's something that happens far away from "the bubble," so far away that it can't touch us. But this time it did happen here and it rocked our town like nothing has before.

My heart goes out to the Ritzer family and all those who knew and loved Colleen. I can't even fathom the loss they are feeling. Hopefully they can find some peace knowing that the person responsible has been caught.

It's just another horrible reminder to never take anything for granted, to hold your babies tighter than ever and to appreciate every day you have because you never know when it could be your last.