Tuesday, April 24, 2007

A Day of Horrible Lists
Not all of the lists we have to make are good. This was shown to us all in a most horrific way last Monday (April 16, 2007) when a tragedy we never could have imagined unfolded at Virginia Tech. Before it was over, 32 innocent people had lost their lives and a 33rd, the shooter had committed suicide after committing such carnage. What kind of lists must he have been making over the last several months or maybe years to arrive at this disastrous end?!!

As we look over this list of incredbibly talented, gifted, giving and wonderful people, http://www.nytimes.com/ref/us/20070418_VICTIMS_GRAPHIC.html) one must question...why? What caused a person who was born to a family just like the others to believe that this was the only way? One may talk of his childhood, a life that might not have had the love he deserved or the fact that he was an immigrant that had been taunted through his school years; but a look at the list of victims seems to contradict that.

Henry Lee, a freshman, had immigrated from China during his elementary school years. He came her much like Cho, not knowing any English and most likely going through much of the same things as Cho. He did not grow up to shoot and kill...he was the salutatorian of his graduating class and by all accounts, an incredibly gifted and wonderful person. Liviu Librescu, the 75 year old senior researcher and professor was a Holocaust survivor. He undoubtedly has endured and witnessed unspeakable acts of hatred, torture and murder...a reason some might say could have warranted the acts of a madman, yet he chose to live a good life and in the end gave that very life to save his students. Every person on this list is incredibly gifted, giving and it seems to be...very special people that we have lost much too soon and in a way no one should ever have to die. The list does not discriminate...it includes men and women, young and old, professor and student, black and white and people from at least seven other countries. This is a list we should never have to comprise.

Now, somehow, we must all find a way to go on. I can never imagine how these families will gather the strength to do that. I know the power must come from someone greater than we, and I know the support and prayers of a world are lifting them up. I know each of these families must have a list written on their hearts of memories shared with a child, a spouse, a mother or father and in time, I hope this will be something that can bring them comfort and joy.

I will close this with a link to the blog of very precious friend. She wrote this last week after what happened. I am sure it will touch you as it has me. http://playfulmama.blogspot.com/2007/04/some-mother-somewhere.html#comments May we pray that this will be the last time we have to ever make a list like this. May our lists be full instead of random acts of kindness, friendships, miracles and love. May we each reach out to that person who may be a little different and who might be struggling. May we teach our children love rather than hatred...acceptance rather than discrimination. We can change the world and in the words of that spirited author and poet, Nikki Giovanni...WE WILL PREVAIL!
Posted by Jenna at 4:54 AM 2 comments