It’s been ten years since more than a dozen families were impacted by the loss of their loved ones who were killed in a terror attack in San Bernardino.
Those impacted by the Dec. 2, 2015, tragedy gathered Tuesday for a Day of Remembrance ceremony at California State University, San Bernardino. While remembering those who are gone but never forgotten, loved ones also reflected on how their lives were changed that day.
“Honestly, it’s been crazy to think that 10 years has even passed,” said Jolyne Verdehy.
Jolyne is the daughter of Benneta Betbadal, who became a county health inspector in 2006. A mother of three, Betbadal was one of 14 people killed in the shooting.
“I miss just, like, her caring and wanting to help people, wanting to give back to the community and love her job,” said Ethan Verdehy, Betbadal’s son.
Through the family’s pain, Betbadal’s children said that over the years, they’ve managed to turn their grief into something positive.
“I’m reminded of how I’m making my mom proud at the end of the day,” Jolyne said. “It’s not a time of sadness anymore, it’s a time to reflect back on those good memories and think like how far we actually come as her children.”
Colin Verdehy, Betbadal’s other son, echoed those sentiments.
“Knowing that it’s 10 years impacts me more than the rest of the anniversaries because of how much growth has come from all of us and my family,” he said.
It was an emotional day for many families in San Bernardino County, but the bigger takeaway was that those directly impacted by the tragedy turned their pain into something meaningful – a reflection of life, love and hope.