Random Thoughts

[Angrboda]

Sunday was the funeral for Fletcher Merkel, an 8-year-old who died in the mass shooting last month at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. Fletcher’s family asked attendees not to wear black. Instead, they encouraged mourners to wear bright colors. His father, Jesse Merkel, has said the family wants Fletcher to be remembered for who he was and not how he died.

Children's Minnesota released Lydia Kaiser, its last Annunciation shooting victim, from its hospital on Saturday. She was injured while protecting a younger student. Still one child, 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, remains hospitalized in critical condition at HCMC as of Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, on blocks stretching out from Annunciation Catholic Church and School, trees and light posts are being hugged by blue and green ribbons. Just days after the shooting, volunteers took action to literally wrap support around the grieving community.