The Beaulieus Kept My Class Trip to Europe From Being Cancelled

It has been over a year since I first heard the news about the Beaulieu family tragedy. And I have debated on whether or not to share anything on a public forum seeing as though it has been such a heartbreaking issue. But recently after reading all the , I thought that it was an appropriate time to revisit this event and share my thoughts and feelings for others. The following is what I wrote down last December upon hearing the news.

“Yesterday I received a text message from Bridget. She wrote, 'Oh my God. Did you hear what happened last night?' I had not. Shortly after receiving her text message, she called. As soon as I heard the tone of her voice, I knew something was wrong. Over the next few minutes, she told me the horrific story of how Joel Beaulieu (a person we went to high school with) had just murdered his father and critically injured his mother in the middle of the night.

I was shocked, to say the least. I didn’t know what to say or even think. I felt numb. And the one word I could mutter was the question I’m sure everyone was asking at the time, 'Why?'

I’m not going to stand on a pedestal and proclaim that I knew them more than I really did; but I am deeply saddened for their family and love ones that have to go through an ordeal like this in such a small town. I played tennis against Joel. I had Mr. Beaulieu in middle school (as did my mother, aunt, and uncle). And although I never had Mrs. Beaulieu in high school, I spoke with her on occasion. Everyone deals with grief in different ways and I decided that I wanted to think of a memory or a moment in time where they made a difference in my life:

My senior year class trip to Europe was going to be one of the highlights of my high school career; much later I’d come to realize that that trip would always hold a special place in my heart. Our itinerary was set and my friends and I were counting down the days.

Everything seemed perfect until Sept. 11, 2001. That day in our nation’s history put all travel plans on hold and suddenly our trip was held in the balance. One by one, concerned and fearful parents began removing their children from the trip. 'It’s too dangerous. They shouldn’t be allowed to fly overseas.' And on the verge of the entire trip being cancelled, these two wonderful people stood up and backed the few parents that still wanted their kids to go. In front of the school board they voiced their opinions on what an opportunity this would be for us and an experience of a lifetime. They pleaded that this trip not be taken away from us by forces that were completely out of anyone’s control. With their support the trip was not cancelled. And for those of us who were lucky enough to have understanding and trusting families, had the chance to go to Europe on what will always be one of the most incredible and memorable weeks of my entire life. For me, that week changed my life forever. I will always rememeber the way they stood up for us and the love they had for sharing such an unbelievable trip with their students. And I’m quite sure that everyone who attended that trip won’t either.”

Looking back, I will never forget Mr. Beaulieu’s, dare I say, flamboyant and colorful nature. If you ask anyone to give you one word to best describe him, charming tends to be the one that floats to the top. On the Europe trip, his vibrant spirit was infectious and it was impossible not to smile while in his presence.

I know there is nothing I can possibly say that would even begin to heal this wound, but the memories I have of spending seven days in Europe solely revolve around their participation and guidance. I'll treasure those memories more now than ever and am forever grateful.