Virginia Tech has a fitting memorial on their website today. At noon, we will pause and pray for the friends, families, and loved ones of 32 fallen - along with individuals and families around the world.
It is a somber day in the Commonwealth.
Stevie Ray and I got up early this morning so we could stop by Walmart on the way to pre-school. We wanted to pick him up a Tech t-shirt, cap, or shorts to wear today. He's four years old and doesn't need to know the details of what happened, but it's a lesson in community. I'm proud of Farmville - there wasn't a single VA Tech item left in the store. There wasn't so much as a maroon or gold t-shirt left on the shelves.
I told him today we were remembering good people who are no longer here, and are praying for their friends who will miss them now that they're gone. I told him we need to appreciate the good people around us every day, and that it's sad that it takes bad things to remind us sometimes.
Again, he doesn't understand - and part of me hopes he never does.
His oldest sister, Manda, is a Virginia Tech alumnus. She's also a pastoral counselor who helps folks when their loved ones are in the hospital, so she sees a lot of pain. She's headed to the memorial today in Richmond along with lots of folks from the area.
So today, I invite you to join me and pause at noon and remember 32 good people - a lot of them heroes - taken from us too soon.
Andy
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