We cannot pretend to know the shock and pain of losing a child, but our hearts go out to the family of 9-year-old Lacey Nance, whose life was cut short Monday after she was accidentally struck by a vehicle near Verbena.

Whenever a tragedy like this happens, few people go unaffected by it. While the grief of neighbors and acquaintances in no way compares with that experienced by the immediate family, loss is never easy. Not only do we miss our loved one, but we also become more aware of our own mortality — and just how fragile life is.

We also wish comfort for the driver of the vehicle, and for the entire family affected on that end of the tragedy. There are some things in life that cannot be avoided, and unfortunately an accident can take away those that are most dear to us. This can happen in an instant, as the loss of this precious child illustrates.

We are sure Tuesday was especially difficult for some of Lacey’s fourth grade classmates at Verbena. To them, the loss of a friend they are used to seeing every day is unthinkable. Thanks to the efforts of the dedicated faculty at the school, these students will receive the comfort and direction they need during this time.

Far too many of our young people die in traffic accidents. With each fatality, there is the opportunity for children and teenagers to realize the danger involved with highway traffic. Of course, we wish the example was coming from a book rather than from the loss of a classmate.

Wednesday the school will hold a birthday party on what would have been Lacey’s 10th birthday. This will hopefully bring some closure to both the students and faculty. The school is also spearheading a love offering to help with funeral expenses.

We applaud Verbena School and the community for going to such lengths to comfort both the family and the students.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all those affected.