We Are…Virginia Tech

Two years ago today, a tragedy unfolded on the campus of Virginia Tech. 32 students and professors lost their lives at the hand of a suicidal gunman. This week, the site where most of the murders occured – Norris Hall – reopened. It is a testament to the fact that out of darkness, light can come. After two years, there is healing.

I was not a student at the time, nor was my husband. We did not lose anyone personally in the ordeal – and yet, along with everyone else in this area, we felt the loss. Jon waited from nearby the campus for updates as the day unfolded, and I stayed glued to the phone and the television. Our community had been attacked from within, and for those who have not experienced a similar situation, there is really no good way to explain the helplessness you feel. We are Smalltown America – these types of things just don’t happen here. But they did. And eventually, you have to move on.

Today the campus will join together once again in honor and remembrance of the fallen. There will be candles lit, stories told, songs sung. And tonight at 11:59 when the Ceremonial Candle is extinguished, there will be tears. But at that moment, the hands of friends and strangers will be held and from that… there will be hope. We will prevail.

We are Virginia Tech.