TYLER, Texas — Uvalde has the nation’s attention as one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent history.
People across state and from coast to coast are mourning the 21 lives lost and the families affected by this tragedy.
For East Texas educator Holly Drain, a Uvalde native, it truly hits home.
“It’s absolutely devastating,'' said Drain, PE teacher at Tyler ISD's Owens Elementary. “It’s just such a great hometown and we're a tightknit community, and everyone supports everyone, and (what) they did for me growing up.”
Throughout her time at Robb Elementary School, she remembers her classmates and teachers that left an impact on her, and shaped her into who she is today.
“I have so many great memories from that school, my teachers, I remember everything about the layout of the school; it was such a good experience,” Drain said. “My PE teacher was amazing and here I am doing PE, all these years later.”
She never imagined her hometown becoming a target for violence.
“I’m watching these newscasts on the nationwide news stations, and I’m recognizing my classmates up there standing in front of everyone," Drain said.
She noticed classmates she grew up with and holds near to her heart -- those she considers family.
“I feel like they're all a part of me, I just know so many people there and I know that was tragic for those parents who couldn’t communicate with their kids,” Drain said.
Drain says she wishes she could be there to offer physical support to her friends and the families impacted by this tragedy.
To offer her support, she’s connected to them through social media, where her post was felt by many, including her students.
“I had a fifth grader walk up to me late in the afternoon and he said, 'I'm sorry, coach',” said Drain. “I thought, what did he do? He didn't do anything, he said, 'I saw your post. My mom showed me your post on Facebook.' I was so touched that he waited all day to see me to come talk to me and to say that, it was so precious.”
In a world that is grieving, Drain hopes we can all one day find peace.
“I'm just wishing and hoping and praying for peace for those families so that they can breathe through the next few days,” Drain said.