Recovery

This week another tragedy occurred at my University, the University where I earned my degree, the University where I work, the community in which I’ve called Home for 31 years. It’s the second in four years.  I was not on campus when it happened either time. The first time I was home recovering from a mastectomy, this time I was home with a minor illness.

Both times I spent time on the phone with my friends relaying information from television coverage: Trying to maintain a balance of information from social media and what they couldn’t see from their offices on campus.   It was an unnerving and frightening afternoon.  I felt an overwhelming sense of panic again for everyone. Thursday’s events stirred up memories of 4 years ago. Painful, scary memories

 No one in the community goes untouched by these tragic actions.

When the all the clear was given some 4 hours later, we emerged from our places and begin to ask why, begin to grieve.  We are very small community with a major University sitting in our midst. A University that we love, with students that are our life force, A University full of the best and the brightest individuals, ready to learn, ready those lessons with the world, to make it a better place.  Thursday their hearts were broken, their peace shattered.

We have been through this before. We will wrap our arms around each other, hold each other up and get through this.   Previously we have taken our grief and turned it into volunteer projects across the world.   We again will turn this around.  We can’t see this vision right now. The pain and questions blur our vision, but it is there.  It will come. Give it time.

Rest easy  my Hokie Nation, you are mine and I am yours.  Forever my love and support.

For our Fallen Hokie, Thank you.  Rest forever in Peace.