Thank you for saying this. I haven’t heard enough people say it. A lot of people are looking at this tragedy with an overly spiritual eye. If there is any time to look at something with a scientific eye, it’s now.

When a friend sent me a link to the WaPost story, I played the first video before reading it. I instantly thought the violinist was good, the violin had a great sound, and the acoustics are (surprisingly) not awful. But I had 4 years of intense violin training as a child.

One more note – adolescents are hugely impulsive. Suicide statistics show significant differences in countries where guns are controlled versus countries where they are readily available. Take the gun out of the equation and most of those people would be alive today.

I grieve for the 32 innocent victims who had no idea that day would be their last and their families. But try to find it in your heart to regret the loss of the 33rd. “If only” covers a lot of territory.

“We are all OK, but our community is reeling in shock and sadness. Of
the 4 parents killed, they all had Middle School students that were
friends or acquaintances of (her Daughter). We are struggling to come to
terms. School will be out again tomorrow, as they bring in counselors
to help the teachers and students. We found out tonight that one of the
Nursery workers at church was killed, and many young families used her
as a regular babysitter.
Just keep praying for us and our town.”

A neat thing I read the other day- practice saying to your child, “Take your time.” instead of “hurry up!” – ouch.

Yes, this tragedy is very close to my home. Our local hospitals are filled with these victims. Strangely enough, I feel no more fear than I do after a faraway shooting. I kinda internalize all of them to an extent. I seem to feel that it could happen anywhere, any day. I also feel just as out of control as I feel when I know something has occurred far enough away that I couldn’t come and help. Yesterday I kept feeling like I needed to go to the campus and reach out to someone, but I couldn’t – closed off with security, too much media, kids to tote, etc. But I did have prayer. Thank God there’s something that can reach further than our hands can reach.

peace.

So today, I will renew my pledge:

Victory Over Violence:

I will respect all life. Recognizing that violence comes in many forms, I will not isolate myself but will create an environment where others feel comfortable and can be themselves. I will see beyond superficial differences and reflect on my own behavior.

I will inspire hope in others. With courage, I will resolutely stand up against violence, be it verbal, physical or passive and teach others through my own example. I will support others and encourage them to follow their dreams.

I will value my own life, recognizing that a lack of self-identity and hope for the future lay at the roots of all violence. I will reach beyond my limitations, taking concrete steps each day to uncover my real potential. I will never give up on my dreams, even if they seem impossible.

Please take the pledge with me so we can create a better world for today and tomorrow!!

May those who have suffered rest in peace.