A Step Toward Healing In a Deeply Wounded Town

A step toward healing for the deeply wounded town of Uvalde, Texas came in the form of its annual Honey Fest tradition. While still reeling from last year's tragic elementary school shooting, the Festival did more than bring local beekeepers out to sell jars of honey.

One beekeeper, Linda Williams, made a powerful comparison between her bees and the Uvalde community. "They are tough, and they are going to do everything they can to survive. They work together, and they all pull their weight. And it's all about the hive." Festival manager, Gloria Reza, added, "We are one big beehive. We're a bunch of worker bees, and we will find a way to pick up the pieces. Not just from this tragedy, but from anything that has happened to us."

The wooden crosses with the names and photos of those who died last year still stand in the center of the town's park but the honey vendor booths and musicians represent a small step toward a new normal with a community committed to healing together.

Read more in Texas Public Radio