Annunciation victim's family describes homecoming

Gwendolyn Bisek says her two daughters — both of whom were present at the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School on Aug. 27 — keep getting the same question from well-intentioned people: “How are you doing?” 

One daughter was uninjured; she helped a younger student get to safety. The other, 11-year-old Genevieve Bisek, was shot in the neck during the shooting and spent days in the hospital. 

In a written statement, Gwendolyn Bisek said the children tell people they’re OK, while “silently screaming” that they’re not. 

“What are we expecting from these children? Their lives have been altered forever. Those injured, those who bore witness — what can they say?” wrote Gwendolyn Bisek. 

“There are no quick fixes or fast returns to ‘normalcy.’ Everyone present — the children, teachers, pastor and parishioners — will be dealing with emotional trauma which cannot be swept away. Support, patience and time are needed. We have been embraced by the community and the outpouring of love and compassion. Healing begins now,” she added. 

Gwendolyn Bisek’s sister Wanda Stipek is helping speak for the family as they try to navigate their new normal. 

Genevieve was discharged from the hospital late Monday and is in stable condition, according to Stipek. While she’s making progress on a physical recovery, Stipek said the bullet is still inside her — removing it might cause damage. 

She said Genevieve also suffered a severe concussion during the shooting, so they are unsure yet what the future will hold. 

“Obviously, this journey is not over for her,” Stipek said. “Each day is filled with its kind of ups and downs and, you know, they're just trying to go day by day.” 

Stipek has noticed her nieces are not as “happy-go-lucky” as they were before the incident. She said they’re withdrawn, distracted and overwhelmed by crowds. 

She said Genevieve isn’t supposed to read, use screens or do anything that requires concentration because of the concussion, so her parents have been challenged with keeping her occupied — to keep her from dwelling alone on what happened. 

A sign with dream catchers is seen the memorial at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on Sept. 2, honoring the victims of the mass shooting that took place on Aug. 27, in which two children died and 21 others were injured - ending with the attacker taking their own life.

Tom Baker for MPR News

The Biseks are friends with another victim’s family, so they have been trying to support them at the same time. 

Stipek said the family is grateful for the prayers, donations and kind messages from supporters. She said the family returned home from the hospital to blue and green ribbons on trees in their neighborhood and a driveway full of chalk art. The ribbons are part of Bows of Love, an initiative from neighbors to show support for Annunciation families. 

She said the homecoming was “an incredibly happy time” for Genevieve. 

“She was so happy to be released,” said Stipek. “On her exit from the hospital, she had said how good it felt to feel the sun and the breeze on her face.” 

To Stipek’s surprise, Genevieve asked her parents to stop by Annunciation Church on their way home. She saw the offerings outside and a sign with her name which read “Genevieve STRONG.” After a few minutes, though, she said she wanted to leave, according to her aunt. 

Stipek said Genevieve’s parents later asked about attending services at their church or a different one and she responded, “I don't want to go anywhere where there's stained glass windows.”