Brussel-based Accountants Evoke the Span of Tragedy

Two U.S. accountants, Justin and Stephanie Shults, lived and worked in Brussels. It was recently confirmed that the missing married couple died in the Brussels attacks. Reportedly, the U.S. President contacted the families to offer condolences and told them that “their tragic deaths have touched the hearts of all of us.”

It’s true. Tragic death has a timeless and endless reach to rings upon rings of people, some close and others, unknown to the victims, but not foreign to the sting of abrupt and senseless loss. What about the Shults’ co-workers? How are they affected? How are any of us affected after unexpected death of a colleague?

There are logistical aspects such as redistributing workload, packing up any personal effects and facilitating paper work. There are cognitive aspects that may include a wide range of thoughts such as:

“They were so young.”
“If only they left later or earlier for the airport, this might not have happened.”
“I can’t believe this, I just spoke to him or her.”
“This could have just as easily been me.”
“It feels wrong to continue business as usual.”
“What am I supposed to do with this last email or voicemail … delete it? Save it?”
“This brings up memories of other deaths.”

The emotions we experience depend on the thoughts we have and can be wide and mixed. Feelings may be that of shock, disbelief, despair, guilt, anger, numbness, worry, helplessness, powerlessness – there are no right or wrong feelings or mixture of them. As days and weeks pass, emotions will shift, progress, and sometimes, regress with triggers. It’s important to take care of your feelings by:

talking about it (to family, friends, colleagues, anyone who will listen)
getting treatment (if having thoughts of self-medicating or harming self or others)
commemorating your lost co-worker
exercising, especially any activity that brings you close to nature (i.e. hiking)
meditating to help still the mind from the surrounding buzz
writing about it in a journal
continuing to implement a structured routine to your day

Justin Shults worked for CLARCOR. The company posted statements on their website that he will be remembered “as an intelligent, kind and loyal friend and employee.” Stephanie Shults worked at Mars, Inc. Read more about the young accountants here.

Skystem extends our thoughts and sympathies to all those affected by this tragedy in Brussels, especially to those closest to the victims.