What a brutal week the week of April 16, 2007 became for Virginia Tech, those precious, intelligent, and amazing lives lost, and our Nation. I confess, I was glued to the TV, listening to all of the events, watching the photographs provided by brave students and the reporters on hand. My heart broke, remembering how things were on campus when I worked at a university.
Words can never express the loss of such inspirational lives. Words can never express the anger I feel about the suspected shooter, and I am sad that he chose to do such a dreadful act. The discussion of gun control is a hot topic now. People are asking how did he get on campus to do this? Why was he allowed to have guns?
It occured to me, this is America. We allow people to come and go as they please. We are not supposed to judge others, especially those who are a bit different, a bit quieter, stand offish, or isolated. Working as a professional editorial photographer and photojournalist, I am isolated, especially when deadlines are pushing. Does that reality make me different? Does that reality make me a danger? Absolutely not!
No one can get inside the head of the Virginia Tech shooter, Cho Seung-Hui, because he is dead now. The rage he allowed to burn inside of his heart and soul reminds me of the outrage during the Civil Rights era, when people were so angry, choosing to use violence to state their cause. Violence is not the way to take a stand to change things, or to make a better world. Communication and acceptance are the keys to release the freedoms and passions all of us feel towards one another and our lives. No one, not even his parents, could predict the horrendous acts of murder he coordinated. It is so sad that he failed to reach out for help, and it is sad to think this violent act could happen anywhere - at a mall, restaurant, or anywhere in America. Did Cho Seung-Hui slip through the cracks? Probably. However, in a Nation where freedom is protected, who could predict?
One item the media has not communicated is the Family Educational Rights to Privacy Act [FERPA]. When I worked at a University, if and when a parent called the office to inquire about "Johnny," our first question to the parent was, "Does Johnny have you listed on his FERPA form?"
Most parents grew irate. "What do you mean you can't discuss Johnny with me? I pay for his education. You WILL talk to me!"
"Not unless Johnny releases his rights so we can discuss him."
OOPS!
Parents could not understand, and who could blame them?
To the families of the 32 victims, my heart aches for all of you. The brave professors who chose to stand up to protect the students, encouraging them to jump out the windows to seek safety. We will miss the professors so much. I find it heart breaking that the professor who survived the Holocaust, could not remain safe in America. The student who traveled to a war zone last summer, could not remain safe in America. The stories could continue.
Yes, it will take time to heal. Parents will never find a normal sense of life and pride for their loved one. They will miss them, but life does go on. Somehow every morning provides a new sunrise, a new sunset. Life continues beating inside our hearts, even when we feel completely lost. The question that may never make sense about this horrific incident is How do we go on? How does life feel normal again? And - How do the families, and friends live with such loss?
Nothing makes sense now, and for a long time, it probably will not make sense. We must reach out to those strangers in life who are suffering and we must let them know how much we care and ache for them.
To the families and friends, I wish you recovery. I cannot imagine your pain. In one brief moment, your loved one was murdered, in a cold, calculated act that will never make sense. Please know that America does care for you, and in a small way, we feel a bit of your pain.
I will not say to any of you, "I know how you feel."
That is such a cliche, and no one can understand even a mustard seed amout of your pain.
What I would like to share and express is the spirit of Virginia Tech. I admire your grace, courage and dedication to move forward. When classes return tomorrow there will be a blackened veil of darkness in every classroom.
Breathe deeply. Remember the good times at Virginia Tech. Remember the brilliant classmates, and the stars in the sky. Remember your love and pride while you continue to recover. Remember the memories and passions of those lost, and make your life a better life, in memory of those who are now looking down from Heaven, to protect you and America.
Virginia Tech will prevail! May God bless each, and every one of you, the Hokies.
