Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Loss, love and compassion


Thank you for your prayers, light, angels and healing thoughts. So many parents, friends and families will benefit from them, I know. It's hard to find words to express the profound sadness. VT flags are on every other house around here. I've never noticed them as much as I did on my walk last evening. Driving, everyone's faces have a somber look as you know they are listening to the same horrifying news in their cars.

One of Nick's friends who graduated last year and was on a full scholarship is among the dead. He was a very kind boy with a sweet sense of humor.

I am deeply touched by the demeanor of the students I've seen interviewed. Every single one has been concerned only for everyone else. They are focusing on loving each other and focusing on their own gratitude for having survived. I pray that as the shock wears off, they can continue to feel this way. Although, in the process of healing, it is perfectly natural for anger to show itself as well, and I don't think anyone would blame them for that.

A lot of people have expressed a feeling of helplessness. I guess this is why people take tons of food to people's houses when they have a family member die. There is always more food than they could ever actually eat, but it is a way of helping. It's a tangible way of saying, "I care and I want to help." I think the sense of helplessness here is that it's just too big for a casserole. Out of this spring the vigils and prayer services, another visible act of caring. I do think it matters. I think that in some way it must comfort the families. If not now, then later when they can absorb it.

I believe that the love all of you are sending matters. I have an image in my mind of a blanket being gently laid over the valley and it's made up of the very powerful compassion and love of all of you and so many others who are focusing their hearts on the friends, families and students.

I hope it will continue to the law enforcement. The gentleman fielding questions yesterday looked exhausted and on the verge of tears. I pray that people will remember that he is human and treat him kindly. I imagine his shoes are rather hard to walk in at the moment.

The wind is wild here again tonight. It seems to add to the somber feeling in the air. A plane is landing at Roanoke Airport right now. It seems unusual at 3:30 in the morning. I can't help wondering if it has something to do with Tech. Then again, I am not always up this time of night to witness planes landing. Perhaps it isn't that unusual.

I know that in the days ahead, people will be trying to make sense of it all. I don't think there is any sense to be made of it. There is no answer to "why?" There is nothing that anyone will ever figure out that will make it make sense or take away the sting. I pray the focus will remain one of love for those dealing with the losses rather than turning to one of anger and blame.

I, personally, feel comforted as I watch the footage (which I turn off periodically to just sort of take a break. I hope others do that. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the repeated descriptions and images)...as I watch the footage, knowing that so many of you are seeing it as well and sending your love to this little area of our world. I know that your thoughts and your love are already helping with the healing and I thank you on behalf of all those who are benefiting from your compassionate souls.

I love you.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

For some reason it just hit me that this was close to you. It is so horrific. But I just keep watching hoping for something that will make some sense of it.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Lisa about son's friend.
I just watched the movie Five People You Meet In Heaven today.
My dd came home from work tonight
and she told me about the shooting's. It is heartbreaking.
I will keep all of you in my Thoughts and Prayers.
I am drowning in tears.
Strengthen me as you promised.
Psalm 119:28

Warmly,
Flassie

Jamie said...

I am so sorry for this tragedy that has hit so close to home. My husband and I TIVOed all the news last night and watched after the boys went down. We were commenting on how impressed we were with the students. They were so brave. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers
Sincerely,
Jamie

Melissa said...

I didn't even know about this until nine thirty last night when I came home from grocery shopping and Tim asked me if I heard about it.

I guess living in my closed reality has drawbacks and advantages.

I think I might call later today.

Hugs, M

Sheila said...

MY heart goes out to all who are touched by this tragedy. In some way we are all touched by it, but those who lost family members are in my thoughts and prayers.
I too feel for the law enforcement officers who have to remain focused and factual in the face of this carnage, God give them strength.

Pam Aries said...

Lisa.. i know it must be very hard to be so near to this tradgedy....on all levels. My thoughts and prayers are with you !

gma said...

Sending prayers...this is so so sad.
I also feel for the school administration....the press seems to be saying they should have responded quicker....who could have forseen this? I think they did what they could.
Is there anything we can do?

Anonymous said...

Such a sad situation for all of the people involved. I am sorry for all the losses and I am sorry that those left behind have to deal with the feelings and emotions that they have to deal with. It is such a tragidy. I'm sorry..... You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
*HUGS*

jessielavon@yahoo.com said...

SO GLAS YOU CAME BY DARLING,TO MUCH LIVING TO WORRIE ABOUT BEING SICK,AND i AM FIXING TO BE A nANNY AGAIN IN 7 MONTHS!i DO ENJOY YOUR SITE.COME VISIT OFTEN,

jessielavon@yahoo.com said...

AS FOR THE TRAGGIDY,WE MUST LOOK AT IR AS HE CAKKED SPECIAL ANGELS HOME TO HELP US HERE.SOMETIMES gODS ANSWER IS NO,WE MAYNOT UNDERSTAND IT BUT WE MUST KEEP THEIR SPIRETS AND MEMEROIES ALIVE WITH LOVE AND KINDNESS.

PennyBlue said...

God Bless All that were left behind. Sad and senseless. I will hold them all in my prayers.

J C said...

There is no rhyme or reason to such a tragedy.....I should say another tragedy. And it will not be the last. Until people are brought closer together, until ALL parents embrace their children with love and respect, there will always be more of this from children who grow into adulthood lonely, alone, and lost, and wanting to hurt others. It brings tears to watch as this unfolds.

Anonymous said...

As I said in my previous comment I have only just found out...so so sorry Lisa and for the family of your son's friend and for your son! Love and prayers your way flying across the Atlantic to my dear friend.

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

Lisa this was a most heartfelt, compassionate and truly loving post. I write at this moment with tears. I was so sorry to read about Nick's friend - it hits home even harder when someone you know is a victim of such a senseless tragedy. Loss of any kind is unbearable...although the expected ones are no less hard to fathom....it is incomprehensible that someone could be going about their day only to have this happen. To get that kind of news as a family is something I wouldn't wish on ANYONE.
You are right about the law enforcement individuals as well.
I think you can hear hearts breaking around the nation.
XOXO
Sending you love and light,
Lisa

Emma said...

Many prayers for Nick's friend, his family and your entire community. It's an unfathomable tragedy.

jessielavon@yahoo.com said...

ITS A FRONT PORCH PARTY!

IT'S A FRONT PORCH PARTY!
I am going to have a front porch party on the morning of April 30th.
so come on over and sat a spell.
bring your mountain dew ,coffee or what ever,cracker pie or anything else even art work. Just bring y'alls selvs.
ALL Y'ALL HAVE TO DO IS LEAVE A COMMENT TO THIS POST BETWEEN TONIGHT AND BY 8 A.M ON THE 30TH AND I WILL DRAW A NAME ON THE 30TH AND THE WINNER WILL GET A FREE PAINTING OF CHOISE.
TITLES Y'ALL CAN CHOOSE FROM ARE ON MY EARLY POST A FEW WAYS DOWN POST THAT SHOWS ALL MY WORK.
IT WILL BE A 11"X 8" SO LEAVE THEM COMMENTS SWEETPEAS.
FOR EVERY 50 DIFFERENT COMMENTS EACH A DIFFERENT PERSON/BLOGGER THERE WILL BE A WINNER UP TO 200 COMMENTS.. LETS GET READY FOR A PARTY DARLINGS.

The drawing will be right after I have my meds,see to my auggie and tucker and my garden.

Isabella in the 21st Century said...

Praying for your son's friend and the people of Virginia who have been touched by this tragedy. So sad.
Peace

Natalie

Sue Simpson said...

Please know the your pain and sadness is felt the world over.
Loving, healing thoughts are being sent your way.
Love and many blessings,
Sue xxx

Tinker said...

Lisa, I'm so sorry for your son's friend, for all of you, there. For all of us as a nation really. It feels lately like something in our society is terribly, horribly wounded and broken - but I pray for healing and new growth,and I'm sending prayers and thoughts of loving, healing light to everyone touched by this tragedy. Sending you and your family and friends many (((hugs)))

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

The pain is tangible. May God strengthen, support and sustain the VT community through these horrendous days with His great love and mercy.

gilfling said...

I really don't have any words other than to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your community.

Pear tree cottage! said...

We are touched by this here in Australia also as many of our youth have taken up studies in your beautiful part of this world. My Prayers and my thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones.

Lee-ann

Anonymous said...

Hello Lisa,
I just seen Behind The Scenes I think it is called on TBN with Paul Crouch Jr. He was talking to
Franklin Graham. At the end they showed students that had died and I seen your son's friend. Someone was also singing, a song called, He Knows My Name. It was really beautiful song.

Here's one from me. I just
started singing and this is
what came out of my mouth.

On My Knees in Prayer,
On My Knees in Prayer.
Lord I don't know Why?
But I'm here, with Tears
in My Eyes.
On My Knees in Prayer,
On My Knees in Prayer.
I Know That You Are There,
To Comfort and I Know That,
You Care.
So I'll Be, On, My Knees,
in Prayer.

Warmly,
Flassie