Skip to main content

Thinking Back - Virginia Tech


One year ago today I recieved a phone call from my husband that I will never forget. I was standing in the middle of a parking lot when I heard the words, "There has been a shooting at Virginia Tech and several students have been killed." It was still early in the morning when I received this call and the news was still pouring out of the area. Our son was a student at Virginia Tech that day and as a mother, the feeling that came upon my being when I heard those words is something that I cannot describe and something I never hope to experience again. I became desperate to speak to my son, almost in a crazy way. When I finally reached him and found out that he was OK, tears of joy were uncontrollable and I thanked God with passion and sincerety that I have never known before.

Then I became a CNN addict. I knew my son was safe, but there were all those students who were not. And I was in Texas....my son in Virginia. I couldn't get close enough. I wanted to see him, to touch him, to hold on to him, but I was so far away. I called him every couple of minutes that day and every couple of hours for days to follow. The television and the telephone were my lifeline. I began to weep for the families who were not receiving the phone call to let them know that their loved ones were OK. Instead they were facing loss, unfair loss and pain that made no sense.

My son has some very good friends who live in Chesapeake, VA. They contacted him immediately and drove to Blacksburg to pick him up. He was too shaken up to drive the 6 hour trip alone. My heart will be forever grateful to Steve and Stephanie who love my son enough to bring him to their home, to give him rest, someone to talk to, and provide an escape from the sadness and chaos of the campus through the week that followed the tragedy.

This day marks a day that changed my life and my attitude about what is important. Our lives can change so quickly. I was in a Walmart parking lot one minute and could have left there without my son being part of my life. The thought still grips my heart and challenges me to make every moment count.

Today I pray for the families who mark the one year anniversary of the loved ones they lost. I pray for those of us who were touched personally by this event, that we will live victoriously as we know and understand that God is still in control. I pray for my son as he goes through this day knowing and remembering being in the building next door, fleeing back to his apartment, wondering what is happening and what to do next. I pray for the survivors that they will be free of fear and pain.

I don't understand what happened on the campus of Virginia Tech one year ago. I don't understand what happened in the mind of the young man who did the shooting. But I do find all the hope I need in the words of God from Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Thank you, Lord for your peace. Help me live for you, every moment...loving and honoring you and the ones that you put in my life. Thank you, Father, for my family, the safety of my child through this tragedy and for today!

Comments

Lelia Chealey said…
Oh my goodness, made me cry Girlfriend! Wow, I can't even begin to imagine the desperation of your heart that day. What a horrible feeling that must've been, but if it brought you into a place of intimacy with the Lord then that phone call has got to be worth re-living.
I'm so thankful my friend that you are not writing in memory of your handsome son. Thank you JESUS!!!
Love you,
Lelia
p.s. thank you so much for the sweet welcome to Amiyah. I am SOOOOOO in love! ;)

Popular posts from this blog

I Got A Feeling....

that this is gonna be a good, good year!!!!!! I have great expectations! And I don't make New Year's Resolutions, but I do like goals. And prayers. I know God will answer prayers, and there are a few that I look forward to seeing the answer to, hopefully in 2010. It would be great if love and peace and forgiveness would win out in a few broken relationships. I am still praying. And I am look forward to how my marriage will become more wonderful, as it does every year! My health should improve since I am training for a triathlon. I lost 23 pounds in 2009. I look forward to losing about 15 to 20 more. Completing the Caveman triathlon with a couple of my very good friends is a goal that I am excited to achieve! It is going to be fun to see what God is going to do because I said "yes" to Him and stepped up into Home Group leadership with my church. And my church.... I have to say I am amazed and thrilled to love my church! What a blessing after so many years of being a s...

Friday Fill Ins

1. I'm PMS-ing , I'm excited , I am feeling out of balance . 2. Why do I have short legs and not tall, thin ones ? 3. How does this surrender stuff really work , anyway? 4. Every morning, I put make-up on my face . 5. I consider myself lucky because I have God in my life . 6. One day we’ll see Jesus face to face! 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to meeting Lelia and Kelley in person , tomorrow my plans include Step Study Class, shopping with my daughter, worship service , and dinner with friends (and maybe seeing Lelia and Kelley again) and Sunday, I want to work in my yard a little bit! For More Fun Friday Fill Ins click here!

I Close My Eyes

Well, I did it. I took the writer's challenge at a blog that I have been lurking around for some time. I found this blog through Laura at Wellblog 's place and have been enthralled ever since. I have dabbled in poetry on and off. Written some invitations, cards, and even a few song lyrics (for fun) but have been hesitant to post any. (roaring lion? see below post ) With the encouragement of a friend, I decided to take the challenge on L.L.Barkat's blog, in a lesson on seeing. I chose a subject that is cherished, a memory that was real and something close to my heart. The beach. Many, many days were spent at the beach in the 12 years I lived on the Southern Virginia coast. The memories are real, and when.......... I close my eyes and I can still see the beach. The endless spans of water Sometimes blue, green, or gray. It moves Gently and Violently Bubbles rise and falling forward. On and on. I close my eyes and I can still hear the crash Of tidal movement As earth slowly spi...