Pupils who survived the school shooting in Minnesota are finding solace and strength in their faith and the support of their friends as they go through their road to recovery.

In the quiet neighbourhood of Annunciation Catholic School, a tragic incident unfolded during morning Mass on Wednesday. Two classmates lost their lives, and 21 others were injured in a mass shooting. Amidst the chaos, one family, the Maldonados, found themselves at the heart of the tragedy.

Carla Maldonado, a member of the family and an experienced trauma therapist, has been speaking openly about the incident to NBC News. She shared that the past few days have been characterized by togetherness, with her family's past and present intertwining in a unique bond of strength and resilience.

As the news of the shooting spread, Pedro Maldonado, another family member, reached out to other parents to reassure them about their children's safety. He described the incident as the worst 20 minutes of his life, yet he didn't hesitate to help other children who were desperate during the incident.

The Maldonado family, who live just blocks from the school, were among the first to arrive at the scene after the shooting. As they searched for their own children among the students, their hearts pounded with fear and uncertainty. But their worst fears were soon alleviated when they found Pablo Maldonado, 11 years old, and Pilar Maldonado, 7 years old, safe and unharmed.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Carla Maldonado has been taking a one-hour-at-a-time approach to dealing with the trauma. She believes the best healing for her children is spending time with their friends, who she believes are the only ones who can understand their experiences on a deep level.

The Maldonado family is being supported by Ana Maldonado, LPC, a trauma therapist who is EMDR trained and specializes in trauma therapy including grief, loss, and sexual trauma. Carla Maldonado, recognising the importance of emotional recovery, has also been helping other children who were affected by the incident.

Carla Maldonado believes that hearing her children interact with friends is a sign of healing. She stated that her children may or may not share their experiences with the family, but their ability to return to normalcy, however defined by them, is a testament to their strength and resilience.

In the face of adversity, the Maldonado family stands united, their bond strengthened by the shared experience of trauma. They are a shining example of resilience, proving that even in the darkest of times, hope and healing can still be found.

Pupils who survived the school shooting in Minnesota are finding solace and strength in their faith and the support of their friends as they go through their road to recovery.