The Flowers Haven’t Stopped Blooming
A community heals together after tragic stabbing.
Daises. Tulips. Roses. The smells of spring flowers fill the gentle winds of Lynn Valley, North Vancouver. The multi-color petals surround the Lynn Valley Village’s memorial of a stabbing victim, who’s identity has been requested to stay anonymous.
On Saturday, March 27, 2021, 28-year-old Yannick Bandaogo entered the library armed with a knife. He attacked multiple people both inside and outside the library, leaving six injured and one woman dead.
Among the victims was Argyle Secondary School biology teacher, Sheloah Klausen. She has been renowned by the community as a hero after confronting Bandaogo with an umbrella.
“I am being called a hero, but I don’t feel heroic because I couldn’t save her,” Klausen wrote on her sister’s Facebook page. “A woman I do not know clamped her hands on my neck to stop my spurting artery, I was told in the hospital that her action saved my life. She is my hero…My four students who took my screaming daughter away and cared for her — you are my heroes.”
Countless community members stepped in to try and help amid the ongoing tragedy. The staff from the neighboring businesses, Delaney’s Coffee House and Brown’s Social House, pulled injured people inside to try and tend to their wounds. People ran towards the danger to help the victims and their families. In the eye of the pain, Lynn Valley look back in pure love.
“Evil is not always born, sometimes it is created, and he may have had absolutely no idea what he was doing,” Klausen continues. “He has his own story and in this journey of healing, thoughts of anger are normal, but hate is never normal…The most important thing is that we gather in time, to rise up and bring joy back to Lynn Valley. One horrible act is just that — one.”
Once the scene was cleared, visitors were allowed back into the Village. A small child gripped chalk tightly in his hand. He crouched onto his knee and wrote, Lynn Valley is Strong in the middle of the plaza. People followed along, decorating the entire ground.
#LynnValleyStrong
Our Community, Our Home
Lynn Valley Love
Four days after the crime, the Lynn Valley Public Library reopens on March 31, 2021 at 10 A.M.
9:20 A.M. The journey towards the concrete steps is gloomy and cold. The air is heavy surrounding the plaza.
9:22 A.M. The sun is shining on the Delaney’s Coffee patio in front of the library entrance. There is an embrace of warmth and love as soon you reach the top step.
9:30 A.M. A woman and her daughter join the librarians with two Starbucks coffee travelers, scones, butter, and jam.
9:40 A.M. Masks reading “Lynn Valley Strong” are handed out.
9:55 A.M. Community members slowly line up to stand with the librarians as they reclaim their home.
10 A.M. Doors open.
Claps. Cheers. Tears.
The librarians greet every person with a big smile. “We are so happy to have you here. Thank you.” Notes of resilience are written on heart shaped sticky notes and posted on the wall by the entrance.
We’ll find a way forward together
Our hearts are with you. Thank you for all you do!
We’re strong together
Outside the library, there is an older gentleman setting up chairs and tables. A father brings his daughter to meet with some friends. They share a coffee and breathe in the spring air. His daughter enjoys her cookies while swaying back and forth. “I feel good that I showed up,” his friend tells him. “I’m feeling better now that I’m here.”
Church leaders approach tables and offer pins that read Lynn Valley Love. “And a comfort cross if that’s something you’re interested in,” one of them smiles warmly.
There’s still a lingering fear in the air. Everyone looks over their shoulder a bit more. But all they find is someone looking out for them. Ready to protect each other, comfort each other, and support each other.
The bees start to visit the flowers. They buzz from bouquet to bouquet, both wilting and thriving. One bee lingers on one of the first bouquets, the flowers are dying. But the bee is surviving with the nectar it’s left.
