Outpouring of Waldorf community support heartwarming

I wanted to share something I experienced this week. A week ago from last Sunday, we had a tragedy happen in my community. A 10-year-old boy from my neighborhood was hit as he crossed McDaniel Road on a crosswalk. He was riding his bicycle, wearing his helmet, and was with an adult (his mom) and two other friends. He was taken to Children’s National Medical Center where he died the following Tuesday morning. So Sad. So very devastating.

But what I wanted to share is what happened next. The community has surrounded and committed themselves to supporting these parents. The soccer team came out Sunday night at the viewing in full orange soccer uniforms. Three Charles County commissioners came to share their condolences. The food that appeared for the family came from the community and was truly amazing. An organizer had to ask that no more food come to the house. So much food came to the reception after the funeral that some was taken to the men’s shelter in Waldorf, and the women’s shelter in Hughesville.

Over 250 people attended the funeral. The soccer team (wearing armbands), classmates and friends of the family came to celebrate this little man’s life. They ranged in age from baby through all school ages and adults — and they were incredible. They were amazing in their demeanor, their willingness to share stories about their friend, and overall, well behaved and respectful. Sometimes our letters here jump at the opportunity to tell when things have not gone well. But this community, these kids and their parents, this amazing place where I live has made me so proud this week. They have behaved with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to human dignity that makes me so glad to say I am from the St. Charles community of Waldorf. And the people here, have each other’s back. Thank you to each and every one of you.

Pam Pedersen, Art Crofoot