The Town Square: in memory of...

A special prayer for the parents of Virgina Tech

In the wake of the tragedy at Tech that resulted in the pointless loss of many innocent lives within its community I would like to extend my deepest and most heartfelt prayers, and thoughts to the friends and family members who are grieving. There is no loss greater than the loss of a child, this is a pain that I know very well, it takes the air from your lungs and leaves you gasping in disbelief. I understand loss better than most parents, and extend my heart to the parents in the wake of this horrible tragedy, there are simply no words to comfort you but please know that I am thinking of you. My daughter and I have been seperated for the last seven years, not by death, but by ignorance and the death of this vital relationship has nearly killed me many times over. I have many times wished to brush her hair before bed or tell her a story, or enjoy a moment that is a rare treasure between a parent and a child. To you I can only say this the pain passes, and with each passsing day your loss will reshape itself. You will become better people believe it or not, I know you do not believe this now, and I would have never believed it either, but I have survived the loss and grieving of my child now for the last seven years, and I tell you that it has made me a stronger woman. It was not easy at first, and I caution you to take extra good care of yourselves at this tragic time. Please remember to turn your thoughts to God, and ask Him to take away your pain and anger, and if you are able please ask for Gods help to forgive the person who brought this pain into your family. I know this will be difficult to do, it was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but once I asked God to fogive those people who have harmed the tender relationship between me and my child the healing began. Now, looking back I realize that I suffered the most durring the times I was unable to ask for forgiveness for those people. In the aftermath, of such a loss as yours please know that there is a power a loving power that will comfort you, He is ready to comfort you when you are ready to ask. I know this will seem so small a message to you now, and I wish I had more to give, but I share with you from experience. My experience is that when you ask for the forgiveness of the person who has brought harm to your child, that you as a parent can forgive yourself for not being able to protect them from this tragedy. May the peace of the Lord be with you, and may you know that your children are with our creator. May you heal quickly, and go on to help others.©