The
events that unfolded on VT's campus left the community in shock and with
much grief. Frank and I were in Blacksburg for his doctor's appointment when
the shootings in Norris Hall happened. We had no idea until we were on our
way back to Floyd. On the way through Christiansburg, we saw seven emergency
and police vehicles headed toward Tech. We had just heard an announcement on
the radio that a gunman was on a college campus, but did not hear the name
of the campus. Once we saw the emergency vehicles, we knew it was Tech. The events leading up to that day, in hindsight, might be clear to police. I doubt, however, that family & friends will ever be able to understand. I don't know that they will ever want to. All they know is that someone broke mentally and their loved ones paid the price.
The list of victims is way too long. The names of the injured is way too long. The list of people who had their hearts ripped out when they heard the news is also way too long.
Time may heal a broken heart, but it will never bring back a bright future that was cut short.
When you get this message, take the time to light a candle for those who died or were injured. Put in that candle love, warmth and healing light for the injured and for the families of those who perished. In this way, and others, we can help the victims and their loved ones heal from this tragedy.
If there are any in Merry Meet Temple who find that they need to talk about these events, please contact me. I'll be happy to listen.
