We Will Prevail, We Are Virginia Tech.

Its been a year. I remember exactly where I was and who I was with when I heard this terrible news. Actually, the people I was with, I haven't spoken with in months, how sad. 

We were on our Senior trip, in Orlando. The second day we were there, my friends Joe and Jared were from Lynchburg, and had friends that went to VTech. Joe, Jared, Joanna, Jean, Eric, Jared M and I were in line waiting to ride Peter Pan when Joe's mom called and broke the news to us. I was frozen, knowing that something this terrible had happened, the last major shooting I remember was Columbine, I was in 5th grade. This was so shocking. We all stopped in the middle of the line and prayed for the victims, students, teachers and family members that were living in terror watching it unfold on their television sets.

We went on that day, watched the fireworks, met the Princesses, ate cotton candy, just enjoying our time together... the last few weeks of high school. 

When we got back to our hotels we watched it all the happenings on TV, called our parents, and some of us were even trying to get a hold of friends that were at VTech. There was something about that day that tied us all together. What is it about a tragedy that unifies one another? What is it about tragedy that causes us to turn to a higher power? What causes us to fall on our knees and pray? No matter what you believe, you did hope the best for the students, victims and families of VTech that day. But why? Did you put yourself in that situation? Or maybe you had been there before, knowing the angst that your heart experiences and wishing that no one would ever experience that. Who knows why you decided to pray, I prayed because I know that my God will hear me and comfort those who need it. I know first hand that He sends a peace to your soul, and a grace to cope with the situation that is unexplainable. Only to be explained by the super-nature of God. 

I know that I have gotten off on a huge rabbit-trail, and that this is to remember the Hokies today, and I am remembering them. I also thought it a good opportunity to probe your mind a bit, asking why did you do what you did on April 16, 2007.