April 16, 2007
Blacksburg, Virginia
At a time like this, when a tragedy occurs, we all need to remember all of the countless people affected by this senseless act of violence. I can't help believe that there had to be some signs that this was a deeply troubled individual that should have been forced to get help by family or friends. We all need to rethink how to handle individuals like this that appear to be in trouble handling day to day troubles or just plain existing. Perhaps there should be new laws passed, new emergency personnel contacted if we fear a certain person and someone definitely act upon it and not just pass the problem onto some other person or agency. May all those families that lost an individual remain in our prayers.
Posted by: Anonymous - Moores Hill, IN
Jul 09, 2008
The news of the shootings is very disturbing. I have a daughter in her first year of college. This can happen any where and at anytime. It turned out to be a student. Yet, it could have been anyone.
We know it is impossable to have a collage, school, work place and any place 100 percent safe. There is however a way to improve the emergency anouncements. Just not sure how.
It is sad that more and more these type crimes are happening. This should NOT cause us to fear everyone with a mental illness. Instead, we need to find a better way to help those who are ill and are in need of help to get the right help. Too often, the person gets little to no care. Yes, this is a touchy subject. Yet, one that needs to be addressed through the proper channels (Doctors, and others in the field).
Let's keep in Prayer all the Family, Friends and the VT community in our prayers for a long time.
The shooter's family also needs our prayers. I cannot imagine how they felt when first told of their son.
We need to pray daily for all students. They are our future.
Posted by: Naomi DuGoff - Pembroke, NC
May 27, 2008
What a shock that day to hear about the shootings at Virginia Tech...It was really something... I just want to say that God must be there with all the families who lost someone that day...Also to all the friends who are missing friends that was taken away that day....My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you at your time of pain...
Posted by: Kathy Hughes - Dearborn, MI
Aug 08, 2007
My Heart is saddened for all who are touched by this. The shock, pain and horror will slowly fade from the public conscience, leaving just the emptyness and ache of the families. Let us not let all the hopes and dreams of those young minds go for naught. We were not afraid to act earlier in our lives. Have we become so complacent and hedonistic that all we do is continue to pay lip service and hope that someone else will act because we do not want to get involved. WAKE UP PEOPLE. WE ARE INVOLVED. This is our world, country, neighborhood street and it is getting smaller everyday. How do we want to be remembered? As the society who spawned such horrors or the generation who faced the problems squarely and found our strength in doing so.
PAMELA J
Posted by: PAMELA J JEPPSEN - Ogden, UT
Apr 23, 2007
Our heart goes out to you who have suffered so. This act of horrific madness has taken innocent lives and those of the families as well. I can not even begin to imagine the magnitude of the grief you are feeling. We pray you do not suffer long, and can soon begin to rebuild your lives. God bless
Monique and James Cochran, Lakeland, Florida
Posted by: Monique Cochran - Lakeland, FL
Apr 23, 2007
I just came from Mike Pohles veiwing. We have known the Pohle's for years. His sister was here for Easter and my son and Mike worked out together, played football together and grew up together. That gunman did not only kill people, he destroyed families, lives of this great family that are shattered forever, When do you decide to go back to work, go to the grocery store, plan your daughters graduation, your other son will play football where your fallen son once played..this is never ending..Please help heal this family..but how?
Posted by: Cathleen McCaughey - Flemington, NJ
Apr 23, 2007
A very sad time for the students, faculty, emergency responders, the families and ALL those affected by the ripple of such an unthinkable act of violence. Thank you for continuing to search for the good that will come out of such a tragedy. We will never forget, nor will we forget you.
Posted by: Sarah in Oregon - Albany, OR
Apr 23, 2007
My heart goes out to all of those who lost loved ones. No one can really understand what went on in that man's head but no amount of analyzing and playing "what if" will bring them back. May God help you all through this ordeal. You have more people than you can imagine praying for your comfort. Remember the good times and know that you will meet again. God Bless You.
Posted by: Ann Page - Central City, KY
Apr 22, 2007
I feel so sorry for the parents. Having lost a child myself. The hole in my heart is always there. In the next few weeks as we try to make sence of this. What if just one of those people had ther own gun? The loss would not have been so great. I feel for the people that tried to do somthing about this mad man and couldn't.
Posted by: John Dahlstrom - La Fayette, GA
Apr 22, 2007
Losing a child is every parent's worst nightmare. My heart, my prayers go out to everyone touched by the Virginia Tech tragedy. At a memorial for a friend last year, someone read the following:
Elegy
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond's glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.
Author Unknown
Posted by: Harriet Emerson - Morgantown, WV
Apr 22, 2007
I pray that God take away the hurt and replace it with peace for the family members of each of the victims of this senseless rampage. I feel your pain as my brother was a victim of an individual who was ill-served by our broken mental health system. Please let God heal your aching hearts.
Billie M.
Posted by: Billie McClain - Guthrie, OK
Apr 21, 2007
What have we done when the privacy rights of one deranged person takes precedence over the other 32 innocent victims? I have children in college and I feel so sorry for the victim's families when you realize that due to the college privacy rights that no one could take action against this killer. Had he been a serial killer in mainstream society instead of on a college campus, the police could have had more resources.
I say ZERO TOLERANCE against threatening behaviors including but not limited to stalking, threats (real or implied), abnormal behaviors that make others feel strange or frightened, or any other form of unconcionable behaviors.
My children and I have rights too that include LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These dead children no longer have that right because it was taken from them by the inablity of those in charge to act due to "privacy rights" that should not exist in cases like this.
IMO
Posted by: Mollie K - Flatwoods, KY
Apr 21, 2007
May God bless those who were killed or injured by this terribly demented man at Virginia Tech. No one deserves to leave this life in such a horrible manner.
This is yet ANOTHER reason to tighten up the laws. NO Automatic Weapons should be sold to anyone except for military and police work. I doubt that the Founders of our country who wrote the Constitution would have meant for the 2nd Amendment to be interpreted as broadly as we do today...
Christine Wightman
Posted by: Christine Wightman - Columbus, OH
Apr 20, 2007
MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL THOSE FAMILYWHO LOST A CHILD OR LOVE ONE. I CANT EXPRESS THE HURT OF LOSING SOMEONE THAT WAY IN SUCH AMANNER I ONLY PRAY THAT ALL THE FAMILYS FIND IT IN THERE HEARTS TO FORGIVE. MAY THE LORD LOOK APONDED ALL THIS FAMILYS HELP THEM THROUGH THERE TIME OF NEED. GOD BLESS YOU ALL YOU ALL ARE IN ARE PRAYERS...... JENNIE PALMA.... CALIFORNIA
Posted by: jennie palma - Madera, CA
Apr 20, 2007
I have grown up in the Hokie community. My sister is a Hokie. VT is only minutes away, up and over the mountain. In all the years I have spent watching the university grow and change, I never thought I would bare witness to such a tragedy there. My heart and prayers go out to all who have been touched by this sadness.
Our world has changed so much in the last 20 years. I think back on our college days and they were, indeed, a time of learning and self expression. We would never have imagined something so vile and horrible an act could take place.How sad that our children can not live in such peace. When did we quit caring about each other to the point that such a disturbed individual could live among us, not entirely unnoticed but instead unengaged?
Let us strive to do better by our children and help return the world to a kinder, gentler place. Practice random acts of kindness, find beauty were ever you can. Acknowledge the good that comes your way and disregard the bad. Be ever vigilant so that the evil that some try to promote does not have a place to be.
Remember the Hokies, as well as us all, in your thoughts and prayers. We will survive this, we will be strong.
Posted by: JoAnn crouch - Salem, VA
Apr 20, 2007
As we contemplate this horrific tragedy at Virginia Tech, and all the other senseless acts over the past 30 to 40 years. Many of us, as today, ask ourselves, why? What has become of us as a people, and a nation.
We, the baby boomers, are responsible for the senseless acts that have occurred. By wanting the best of everything for ourselves and our children. The realiest toy's for our children, the realiest movies, and so on. Look at the video games our children and many adults play. The reality TV shows that so many people watch every week. Movies have become so real that at times its hard to decipher them from reality. Many based on actual events.
We've become insensitive to other people around us. We are self-centered and selfish. How else can our children act if they feel that no one actually gives a damn about them. As a people, and a country (though rich in material items) we are very poor when it comes to actually and sincerely caring for others.
In fact, I am one of those that is self-centered and selfish. I care, unfortunately, for only 'my wife and children'. I can feel sad for the tragedy at Virginia Tech, but it doesn't hurt emotionally as if it were my own children. If I died tragically tomorrow people would express sorrow at that moment perhaps....but "Hey Mom! let's go to McDonald's for dinner."
Have you ever wondered why others in foreign countries really do not like Americans? Because we really don't care about their welfare...and they know it. We pretend that we do, but we don't. Otherwise there wouldn't be hunger in the third world countries or America.
The State of Virginia, and Virginia Tech should build a monument to the memory of those that lost their lives in this tragic event. A small tribute to show that the community as a whole, cares.
May God comfort those that lost love ones in this tragedy.
Posted by: Harold Percell - Joshua Tree, CA
Apr 20, 2007
As I have scrolled through the many posts of dismay and sadness .. My one thought keeps rumbling in my gut..
WHAT AS A NATION OF AMERICAN PEOPLE CAN WE DO TO SAFEGUARD OUR CHILDREN FROM THE MENTALLY ILL ?
Second thought rumbling.. HOW MANY PEOPLE, RIGHT NOW, KNOW OF SOMEONE IN THEIR LIFE CIRCLE THAT NEEDS PROFESSIONAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP, AND DOES NOTHING?
Third thought rumbling.. TO ALL MY BABY BOOMERS.. WAKE UP!!! VIETNAM WAS A TRUE CAUSE TO PROTEST BUT SAVING OUR CHILDREN/ GRANDCHILDREN TAKES MANY, MANY VILLAGES TO UNITE AND HELP SAFEGUARD. WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO DO TO MAKE YOUR SCHOOLS SAFE FOR YOUR CHILDREN?? WHO, IN YOUR COMMUNITY, WILL STAND UP AND SAY, "ENOUGH".
WHO WILL TEACH YOUR CHILDREN HOW TO RECOGNIZE BEHAVIOR THAT IS DISTURBING AND NOT BRUSH IT OFF??
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS? WHERE IS THE LIST OF UH-OH'S?
WHO ARE THE ADVOCATES FOR A SAFER AMERICA, IF NOT ALL OF US WHO HAVE POSTED HERE? WE, THE BOOMERS, WHO NEED TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN, THE PARENTS, OF THE NEXT GENERATION ,WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT SHIFTING OUR AMERICA TO A SAFER AND SANE SPACE.
HOW MANY MORE COLUMBINES.. VIRGINIA TECHS.. SCHOOLS THAT NEVER MADE THE NEWS.. DO WE NEED TO EXPERIENCE BEFORE WE, THE COMMUNITY, ACT?
To the students that survived the deaths of your classmates,
The impact of this experience is HUGE! I am hoping that every bit of you is healed with the love from your family, friends, and counsel that assist you through this horrific trauma of loss. Know that you are held in the thoughts and emotions of many that wish you well on your journey of recovery. Know, that we do understand, that this has been a life changing time, one that you will need support to move past.
Blessings to you and your families.
To the families who lost their children, spouses, loved ones,
I pray your are surrounded by love and comfort in your grieving. May you know that all of us, throughout the US, and beyond, reach out to you in your sadness and sorrow.
Namaste (Peace)
Posted by: K K - Salinas, CA
Apr 20, 2007
I know your agony. My only son was senselessly murdered in a random act of violence on May 30, 2005. He was just 28. I don't understand why so many of our beautiful young promising children, our future, is being cut down so brutually. What is happening to our country? To us? I hurt with you. I ache with you. I mourn with you with a deepness that only another parent can know who has experienced such a tragedy. I want to pay high tribute to Professor Liviu Librescu, who bravely, quickly and unhesitatingly gave up his own life to save those of his students. I know that those young people, their parents, their families, will be forever grateful for his sacrifice. Thank you Sir! I am certain that those young people will go on to lead lives that will make your sacrifice worthy. For those who were lost - we do not understand, we will always have questions for which there are no answers, but you will never be forgotten. You will live on in the hearts of all those who love you.
Posted by: Becca Taylor - Orange Park, FL
Apr 19, 2007
My prayer for the Victims, their families, all of us that mourn this unbelievable tradegy, and to the student that caused it all, and to his family also:
Oh God, how this awful flood of sorrow hurts the very core of our being. The scene of that tradegy will remain with us forever. We don't understand, our minds and hearts cannot fathom why this would happen. We humbly ask you Heavenly Father to comfort those that are hurting and give us the quiet grace and strength to console those that have lost their loved ones. Do not hold your Mercy from us. Oh Lord,we as a nation mourn and we ask you to guide us through this. Give us hope Lord and wisdom to become more like you.
In His Name I Pray. Amen
Posted by: Mollie Hewett - Griffin, GA
Apr 19, 2007
I am just heart sick at what happened on that campus. As a mother I can't imagine what it would be like to lose a child. You send them off to college to get a better education only to lose them to a sick person who thought that what he did was the only way out. My heart goes out to all the parents who lost or had an injured child on that dreadful day.
Posted by: Lila Connors - New Paltz, NY
Apr 19, 2007
I am 65 years old and never heard such horrible news in all of my life I was a cop in NJ for 7 years and worked at the county jail lived all over the country some real bad places but this is enexcusable my heart goes out to the families of the victims on sence of reason here allan
Posted by: Allan Gornee - Tucson, AZ
Apr 19, 2007
In this crazy world today, I would like to say having two sons in Iraq in a war zone they have not even had 32 soliders killed in 6 months now in one one day so many young lifes gone, so many familys in grief, my heart goes out to all of them and also the students of virginia tech. You are Hokies you will get better remember the students lost and know they would want you all to go on what you should all do is make the gun laws harder in virginia. Maybe start a college pre-screening program and a place where if students feel threatened they can and tell someone (know they are being heard)
My prayers are with you all.
Posted by: GAIL DENOBREGA - Norfolk, VA
Apr 19, 2007
My heart is so broken over the loss of life and the misery everyone, especially the families of the fallen, are going through.
But, most of all, my soul is in so much pain. The potential of the young adults whose lives are gone, the teachers who are now gone and will never share their love of the subject they taught to others, and for all the survivors who can and will never forget any of this.
Please know that my love and my prayers are with each of you. Also, please remember that God is there, with each of you, to comfort and hold you close to his heart. Stay strong in your faith and love in the Lord and in each other.
As for what needs to be done so that this will never happen again?
We have children, raise them with faith and love. We teach them to be good people. To have respect for others. To give of themselves when they can. We teach them to want to grow up and be good, honest and responsible citizens. Then, one day, they are grown and go out armed with all the things we have taught them, but, someone lurks in the dark. Someone who maybe not have been brought up with the same attributes that our child was brought up with. Or, maybe they were brought up with the same values but something is wrong with their mind, their soul or whatever makes a person go so wrong. Now is not the time for discussion on what needs to be done, that will come soon.
Now we must pray for those who live and bury the fallen.
Rev. Josie J
Posted by: Josephine Lynch - Phoenix, AZ
Apr 19, 2007
Such saddness. I hope in all of this, someone also reaches out to Cho's family. They too lost a child, but on top of that have to live with the knowledge that it was their child who did this. Trying to deal with an emotionally troubled youngster is tough, especially once they become adults. At that point it's nearly impossible to force them to get the help they need. Our mental health system is broken, and now so many families are burdoned with the unimaginable sorrow and grief of losing a child/sibling/best friend. My thought and prayers are with all of the families and the students of VT
Posted by: Mary BH - Huntingtown, MD
Apr 19, 2007
My heart is so sad at the loss of so many lives in this tragedy ! But all those who lost someone, can do nothing better than to pass on the Spirit of those who have left this world- share the specialness of these folks with others and do not allow their special gifts to be forgotten. Though evil has touched so many lives, let love and kindness be the result!!
You are all in my thoughts and prayers !!
Peace & Comfort, Terry Taylor
Posted by: Terry Taylor - Smethport, PA
Apr 19, 2007
This is truly heartbreaking. My kids are college age and I'm not sure if that's the reason this has struck me so hard, but it has. I cannot tear myself away from the news - it almost feels disrespectful to enjoy anything or watch anything else.
There are no words that will comfort those touched personally by this senseless tragedy - I say to them only - know that we grieve for them and with them.
For those who survived this incomprehensible horror, you are forever changed - but know that there is help; please seek it in the weeks, months and years to come. Do not allow this tragedy to ruin more lives in future years.
Posted by: Lori Nicocia - Lancaster, CA
Apr 18, 2007
My Deepest Sympathy& my Deepest love &my thoughts & prayers go to all the families who lost a child, may god bless you & may he hold you in the palms of his hands to bless you & keep you, may he build your heart up with his love & take away all the sadness may God bless you all Pumkin
Posted by: Denise Neve-Rinaldo - Rome, NY
Apr 18, 2007
I can't even imagine the pain. I have four children and they are my every breath. I wish I could hold the hand of each and every parent who has lost a child. I know we are to trust that things happen for a reason, yet it is difficult as humans to comprehend, why! why! Though you don't know me, I say to the loved ones, my heart goes out to you all. As a high school teacher, I sometimes feel the fear myself, but realize that I am there for someone's children. But, as a mother, I hope should something happen to one of mine, that there would be someone there for mine. We are all put here for a reason. Take someone's hand today and reassure them. God Bless! Pamela Keller
Posted by: Pamela Keller - Holiday, FL
Apr 18, 2007
All those beautiful lives suddenly cut short. All those hopes and dreams now will never be.
May the good lord almighty bless each loved one left behind.
And one day by the grace of God may you reunite with your loved ones once again in heaven.
America mourns your precious lives that have been taken away.
God bless.
Posted by: Amedeo Sicari - Fitchburg, MA
Apr 18, 2007
My heart goes out for the victims for this senseless act. To the students amd faculty of Virginia Tech you are so brave. To the families of the victims, God will be with you and he is with your loved ones. Take comfort that the angels are taking care of your loved ones and you will be in my prayers as I know thousands of people are praying for all of you. We are here for support and comfort. Put your faith in God and hold onto that.
I will continue to pray for all of you.
Lyn M
Posted by: Lyn M - De Forest, WI
Apr 18, 2007
As I was coming into work this morning, I felt so sad. My heart goes out to all the people who knew and loved these young people that were taken so cruelly and suddenly. Know that we are thinking of you and send your our thoughts and caring. I did not know them, but now I will never forget them.
~suzy
Posted by: suzy eons - Charlestown, MA
Apr 17, 2007
So many dreams cut short.
So many aspirations not realized
So many young minds ready to make a difference silenced.
I mourn for each and every one of them.
As a parent who had her fill of worry when a child they love, with every fiber of her being, has flown the coop to make their way in this uncertain and unpredictable world, I grieve for all the parents who had to receive such sad, despondent news.
I mourn for the loss of such young, vibrant, unrealized potential of human hope, desire, and idealism, all that we were once upon a time.
I mourn the future cut down before they had the chance to take their enthusiasm, care, and strength and apply it our much needed world.
I cry tears for the person who felt so lost, angry, confused, lonely, and hurt so much that he felt compelled to do such a dastardly deed to such innocent souls.
I cry for all that has happened and pray that we all find strength, hope, love, and a binding wish and desire, to be more connected, more attuned, more caring of our world, more aware of each other, to be more a part of the human race and the suffering that leads to such devastating tragedy.
It is only by truly being a part of a global community, taking responsibility to act when there is sickness around us and in us that we can ever hope to stop these events. There is a point when we need to be brave enough to look at each other, reach out to help one another to prevent one another from hurting each other. When we are able to do that, it is then that we will find that the need to come together to mourn will happen less between us.
Be strong, be well, I care.
Posted by: Nanette Thelemaque - Newbury, NH
Apr 17, 2007
Is so hard to put into words all the sadness, your lost has given me as well the lives of the rest of the teachers and students, is been so horrific, not only for Virginia Tech, but for the whole nation.
May God Has mercy on you and give you comfort, in this difficult time.
Mi más sentido pésame.
Una compatriota.
Posted by: Guadalupe Bullard - Trenton, MI
Apr 17, 2007
My heart goes out to each and every individual family member and friend of the victims at Virginia Tech. There are no words adequate to describe what a tragic; intense and senseless act of violence this is! May God hold you when you cannot walk. Rose
Posted by: Rose Lindholm - Loleta, CA
Apr 17, 2007
