With so much news out of the Thousand Oaks area over the last few weeks, I can't help but feel a greater sadness for those families who lost someone in the mass shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill. Not only have they had to endure incredible loss, but many of them have also been effected by the fires that surrounded the city shortly after and overshadowed the stories of their loved ones.
One story that struck a chord with me is that of first responder Sgt. Ron Helus, who was laid to rest yesterday. During the memorial service a pastor told the ironic story of the sergeant's connection to the Borderline Bar and Grill before losing his life in the same location. Ron Helus had proposed to his wife at the Thousand Oaks restaurant, then called Charlie Brown's, later known as the Borderline. How eerie is that?? He was also laid to rest on the 31st anniversary of he and his wife's first date.
My heart rips in two for his wife and family. Rest in piece, hero.