GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — For some, time heals but for others, it only teaches how to live with the pain.
"This is on a whole new level and there is no closure because you’re living day by day moment by moment without that individual," Wendy Snyder Salazar told WCNC Charlotte.
The absence of a loved one leaves behind permanent scars Salazar knows all too well after losing her grandson Liam three years ago to vehicular homicide. Liam is remembered the most by the happiness under his nose -- his smile.
"Liam was our main person in the family because he brought a lot of joy," Salazar said.
He’s no longer able to walk by his grandma's side now that he has wings to fly, but in their home, you can’t miss him because it's decorated with memories.
"Some of his favorite things are here. Liam is everywhere, just not physically, and that’s the hard part," Wendy said.
Gaston County leaders are working to change that by staying connected and offering families who have lost a loved one in a homicide an extra layer of support.
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"We grow close with them and get to know each other very well during the prosecution of a case, but we also see the need firsthand from working with these folks," Travis Page, District Attorney for Gaston County, said.
In Charlotte Monday, CMPD reported a 31% increase in homicides so far in 2024 compared to this same time last year. Gaston County leaders say their door will be open to those families too.
"We want them to know that they're welcome as well," Page said. "It's a way for these families to connect to others who have this unfortunate common bond due to tragedy, and they can lean on one another and be a resource and a support for each other."
Wendy said it's hard to be happy in the world when your heart has a hole in the middle, but she’s hoping the hugs and from people who are also hurting will make it a little easier.
"You're not in it by yourself," Wendy said.
The in-person support meetings will happen every month with the first meeting kicking off next month. They will be held at the First Baptist Church of Gastonia on May 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
To sign up to join a support meeting click here.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.