Sometimes we are less moved by random tragedy far away, even as compassion wells up for families who have lost loved ones.

But that can’t be true for nearby families whose children come to our islands to compete in sports or to tour the Whale Museum.

“It makes me want to cry,” said Oso-area resident Dane Williams, after the mudslide near his home claimed 14 lives, injured six and left 108 others unaccounted for.

It makes islanders sad, too. Partly because we may know that area and some of its people, maybe because we may have traveled along Highway 530 between Arlington and Darrington for recreation or a softball game. We may have stopped at the Oso General Store for a soda, or commented on the serenity of the Stillaguamish.

This is how it should be in small towns like ours. We ought to feel compassion for neighbors who suffer such arbitrary, seemingly meaningless, tragedy. They deserve our thoughts.

And they deserve our support and, if we can, donations. It won’t end the pain or stanch the tears, but it will let them know that we care.

To help, call 1-800-RedCross, text “RedCross” to 90999 or go online to www.redcross.org.