Letter: Blacksburg tragedy breaks hearts
Letter to the editor
April 19, 2007
My heart aches for the senseless and mind-numbing loss in Blacksburg. Given that I'm suffering so badly even across a complete degree of separation (I lived in West Ambler Johnston years ago, spent countless hours in Norris, and took classes from Dr Loganathan), I can't fathom the shock on campus, let alone for the families, friends, and community members of the victims-these dear precious people were shining lights in others' lives and now they have been extinguished!
Additionally, I cannot help but feel devastated that this one tortured individual has stained not only my memory but also the stellar reputation of my alma mater! Please, please, please-everyone has the power to NOT allow this to be Tech's legacy! Some will find this corny but I do want to take time to remind everyone, especially the current suffering students, of what the Pylons say:
Loyalty. Continue to keep an attitude of faithfulness, affection, and devoted attachment to your entire campus family, from fellow students to faculty and administrators-for the short time you are on campus, you are all family.
Honor. I'm sure I do not need to tell you to respect the fallen but I do hope to encourage you to respect each other, respect authorities, and respect the truth-the slow, contemplative, revelation of truth. Remember too, Honor is a privilege - remember always you had the honor of knowing your fallen friends, and have had the honor of attending one of the premier institutions of higher learning. Never let those memories beåÊsad or bitter.
Leadership. Show the world what it means to be a Hokie-Lead the way toward recovery and healing with elegance, and grace.
Sacrifice. Do not question why these innocent had to be sacrificed-that is simply beyond all human comprehension, but instead sacrifice your need for hatred.
Brotherhood. I am surprised at my connection to all of your hearts with my own grief. Remember you are part of a brotherhood that extends far beyond Blacksburg. Reach out as you need it. Your brothers and sisters will be there.
Service. Serve each other; serve your school; serve your God. In these things you will find peace and love.
Duty. Remember your duty to yourselves-take time to heal. Remember your duty to your education. When you can, get back to the books and show them that a Virginia Tech graduate is one to be reckoned with. Remember your duty to represent Virginia Tech respectfully and with integrity.
I want to leave you with the memory of another community of mourners. They are striking because in this world of blame and lawsuits and media circuses, they led with honor and sacrifice and brotherhood. I am talking the Amish community whose children were massacred in their school haven. Remember what they did? As a whole, this introverted community forgave the shooter - can you just imagine? Be assured that they are grieving no less - that they have no more sense of closure - than victims of other crimes. However, they have found a healthy peace - this is my wish for you. My prayers are in Blacksburg (which was my second hometown too) and with all those that are hurting across the country and the globe.
Here we go Hokies - We will prevail - We are ALL Virginia Tech!
Martha (Bailey) Shields, BSCE, Germantown, MD