We have all been so shocked by this here in New Zealand, it has occupied much space on TV and radio. Tattrat, I do hope all is well with your friends son. This world is just so small.
I found this yesterday in a blog and thought it was certainly worth sharing it here. It says it all.
THAT'S NOT MY SCHOOL</U></B>
I sit in shock, and feel waves of sadness as I listen to the news
Of the tragedy that came today
To my school
I fight the tears and feel for the parents, friends and lovers
Of those lost today
At my school
I get angry at the news hounds trying to place blame and make sense
Out of the madness that happened
At my school
And I want to scream out "That's not my school!"
That's not the place of absolute beauty in a fall day
Of Hokiestone buildings, mountain settings, students and of course
Football, basketball and all the social events
That we remember so well
I will remember the loss, the hurt and pain, forever
I will hope for a memorial, different but hauntingly beautiful
Like the War Memorial
So we can remember those lost and wounded both physically and mentally
I will not forget to cherish the life we have to live
To hold my children dear in this world of no safe place
But I will not let this un-comprehensible disaster ruin what I hold on to
THAT'S NOT MY SCHOOL!
My school is a place of hope, acceptance, sharing and learning
My school is a place of honor, dignity, fairness and reward for hard work
My school is a place where `doing it right' is more important that `win at all costs'
My school is a place where we will remember our past,
And have high hopes for tomorrow
My school is a place to see the future in the faces and people that walk the campus
My school is Virginia Tech
And I am proud to say `THAT'S MY SCHOOL!'