So Much Sorrow

Posted by Laurie (New Jersey, United States) on 19 April 2007 in Plant & Nature and Portfolio.

I've wanted to say something about the horrible tragedy that took place on the campus of Virginia Tech this past week. My words really have failed me, but I will try.

The horror of this event has consumed us as a nation. We are struggling with shock and anger, frustration and sorrow, and we ask ourselves Why? A question to which we may never understand the answer.

All this week I couldn't help thinking about how I worry so about Rob in Iraq, but I'm supposed to do that, it's normal and expected that I should worry. It just isn't supposed to happen that you should worry about something like this happening when you send a child off to college. It's just not supposed to be that way.

To the victims, their families, and friends I can only offer my prayers and condolences. My heart is heavy for their loss.

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Comments (23)

Inès from Belgium

I join you in payers and condolences.

19 Apr 2007 7:01am

@Inès: Thank you.

Art Monkey from Salt Spring Island, Canada

I am with you as well - to all the families that have been affected by this tragedy - my heart goes out - a lovely tribute Laurie

19 Apr 2007 7:15am

@Art Monkey: Thank you.

Sujit from Hyderabad, India

Let me join you too. All I can say is that it was shocking. Sometimes you are left wondering if there's any safe place left on earth.

19 Apr 2007 8:48am

@Sujit: Thank you.

I often wonder the same thing.

Rui Borges from Sintra, Portugal

May they rest in peace.
May we think about the origin of all this to put it an end.

19 Apr 2007 8:53am

@Rui Borges: I don't know if madness like this can ever be understood and prevented. It's incomprehensible.

Craiger from Vacaville, California, United States

I really like what you've done with the rose! It's unusal. I'm with you as well.

19 Apr 2007 10:14am

@Craiger: Thank you.

Dornbrau from Colorado Springs, United States

Touching tribute Laurie. I hate war, although sometimes I feel it is a necessary evil. I have a son in the Army. I was sick with worry the whole time he was in Iraq, and must soon ready myself for his second deployment. But you're right, he goes there knowing the dangers. One should not fear attending school in their own country. At least wars are fought for a cause, even if we might not agree with them. This was a senseless killing, no goal, no cause other than pure selfish hatred. I do not understand that.
Lovely image. I came to compliment you because it had really grabbed my attention even just as a tiny thumbnail. Pity that it had to bear such a sad message and yet it is very fitting for such a solemn occassion.

19 Apr 2007 1:37pm

@Dornbrau: I don't think we will ever be able to understand this kind of event.

I will pray for your son's safety. It's very difficult.

Suby and Sinem from Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

It really is sad issue, lovely words and image.

Suby

19 Apr 2007 1:46pm

@Suby and Sinem: Too sad indeed.

Dawn Sutherland from Phoenix, United States

Laurie I couldn't agree more! Thanks for the tribute and lovely photo.

19 Apr 2007 3:51pm

@Dawn Sutherland: Thank you.

Jen from Jessup, United States

Beautifully said Laurie.
I too have been at a loss for words, watching the news with my children and thinking how I would feel if they were there!
We had an student engineer intern at our company a couple of summers ago and he went to Virginia Tech...he was shot three times, thank god he survived. I didn't know him well, but I can't imagine what he and his family are going through right now along with everyone else involved in this senseless tragedy!
Thank you for posting your lovely words and photo for them.

19 Apr 2007 6:35pm

@Jen: Thank God that young man survived. It's just so much horror for these young people and their families to bear.

adalove from Alcala de Guadaira, Spain

Beautiful shot! And about the tradegy occured.. i feel sorry for the victims and family. I think American people could think twice about arms laws there. It´s so easy to get one there.. is the people buying guns going through some mental tests??

19 Apr 2007 7:31pm

@adalove: I am very disappointed that some people have decided to turn this into a political platform. I have deleted my original response because I am not going to play that game.

objectif-P from Belgium

mais c'est... oui, c'est la fameuse tulipe noire

20 Apr 2007 3:32pm

objectif-P from Belgium

rose, pardon

20 Apr 2007 3:32pm

@objectif-P: Thanks, that's ok.

Rahul from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Wonderful picture and equally touching tribute. It was indeed horrible. God bless their souls and may they rest in peace.

20 Apr 2007 3:42pm

@Rahul: Thank you.

amy from Rocky Mountain House, Canada

Lovely lovely tribute. Thank you Laurie. This touches us one and all. Anger. confusion, hurt...

20 Apr 2007 3:50pm

@amy: I wonder how they will heal from all of this?

April from Santa Cruz, United States

Well said, Laurie. Lovely rose & sentiment.

20 Apr 2007 8:20pm

@April: Thanks.

Still from France

A great tragedy thus calls strong and contradictory feelings which leave for a time, all the people in the distress…

20 Apr 2007 8:29pm

@Still: So true, very tragic.

badala from Leiria, Portugal

A great tragedy. This never had to happen.

21 Apr 2007 7:17am

Manuela Photography from Hainburg (near Frankfurt/Main), Germany

Excellent work on your rose and very touching tribute, Laurie!
These are sad times... still this makes me so angry as I still question if it could have been avoided - to a certain extent. Just a thought: why did Bush have to allow automatic weapons again?

22 Apr 2007 4:13pm

@Manuela Photography: I am very disappointed that some people have decided to turn this into a political platform. I have deleted my original response because I am not going to play that game

Reza from Montreal, Canada

Great shot and nice words.

23 Apr 2007 1:49am

Jerry from Tampa, United States

Laurie - my friend, I feel your heart and your pain! It's a scary, confusing time and no matter what happens where - you will not draw a breath without being worried over Rob ...that's normal...you are a MOM! Then these young people are exactly your childrens' ages....My heart goes out to all the family and friends in Virginia and you know I'm always thinking of Rob and you!! The image is appropriate for this somber time....

23 Apr 2007 10:21am

@Jerry: Thanks so much Jerry.

You are right parents do worry about their kids no matter where they are. This just seems to add one more piece of baggage we carry as parents. So very sad.