This past week has been a heavy one for many in our community.
We’ve experienced tragic loss of life, the passing of long-time public servants, and—on top of that—Mother’s Day. A day that brings joy to many, but for those who have lost their mothers, it can stir up waves of grief that feel just as fresh as the day they said goodbye.
Grief, as I’ve learned, is not linear. It doesn’t follow a calendar, and it doesn’t always come with warning signs. Sometimes it shows up in the silence of a morning cup of coffee. Sometimes in a song on the radio. And sometimes, it crashes into us during days like Mother’s Day.
I’ve written a lot of columns in this space—columns about business, community pride, growth, and celebration. But this week feels different. This week, I want to pause and simply say: if you are grieving, I see you. My heart is with you.
Loss—whether recent or long ago—has a way of catching us off guard. And while time may dull the sharpest edges, it never truly erases the presence of someone we love. Nor should it.
We grieve because we love deeply. And that love is never wasted. In fact, I’d argue it’s what gives our lives so much meaning in the first place.
In recent days, We’ve witnessed friends and neighbors in Minden and throughout Webster Parish walking through the shadows of loss. We’ve seen them show up for each other, bring meals, share stories, and cry unashamedly. That’s what community is all about. That’s what makes this place so special.
To those who are hurting today—whether from a sudden tragedy or a quiet ache that returns year after year—I want to offer a few simple thoughts:
It’s okay to grieve. There is no timeline. No “right way.”
You are not alone. Your pain is valid, and others care deeply.
Remembering is a gift. Don’t shy away from telling stories, looking at photos, or sharing your heart.
Be gentle with yourself. Healing isn’t about being strong all the time—it’s about being honest with where you are.
And to those who are walking alongside someone who is grieving: your presence matters. Sometimes just showing up, listening, or offering a hug is enough.
This community has always been resilient. And in times like these, that resilience shines brightest when we hold each other up.
So today, I simply want to say thank you—for caring, for comforting, for being the kind of community that doesn’t ignore pain but embraces those who are feeling it.
May we continue to be that kind of place. And may those who are grieving know that they are seen, they are loved, and they are not forgotten.
David Specht is president of Specht Newspapers, Inc., Publisher of the Minden Press-Herald, Bossier Press-Tribune, and BIZ Magazine.