VT

[Pequenita]

My heart and prayers go out to anyone who is directly affected by the tragedy at Va Tech.

I haven't watched any news coverage - I watched Columbine unfold live on CNN 8 years ago, and that brought me to tears. I read articles now about what happened at Blacksburg, VA, yesterday, and tears well up in my eyes, and my body shivers. I learned today that a young woman who is a victim graduated from my podunk high school in NY, where my family still lives. I knew that being in the DC area, it was likely that would have some connection to all this, but I did not anticipate the connection would be most direct from home. I don't know anyone personally, and yet I feel tremendous sorrow.

 

[SnowHot]

"P" I started a thread about this tragedy several times, but never hit submit. I wanted to express how heart sick this event made me with my friends here, and yet, every time I put it into words, it seemed so insignificant.
I'm glad you posted. I pray for the students, staff, family, community.
I can't finish this post without tearing up, thinking ...........this is such a senseless tragedy.
:(

 

[ski diva]

I can't imagine what those families are going through. My heart just goes out to them. What a tragedy! And what a waste!

I have a very good friend who lives in Blacksburg, and whose husband is a professor at Virginia Tech. I got in touch with her as soon as I heard about it. Luckily, he's okay.

 

[skigirl]

VA Tech.

Thank You Pequenita for starting this thread. I was like Snowhot and could not find the right words to get it started.

My deepest sympathy goes out to everyone at VA Tech. I feel so sad for all the families, students, friends, and staff.

skigirl

 

[skigirl]

?

I have been watching all the coverage today about the shooter and how so many people knew he was not well. I know how sad and frustrated it is all making me feel, I can not imagine how the families and friends of the victims must feel. I feel so sad for them. I wish I could make all their pain go away.

skigirl

 

[ski now work later]

My husband remarked that he thought that the proliferation of violent video games and other tech games have inspired some of these young men to go on shooting sprees. None of our daughters are interested in these games, and we monitor our 11 year old son's games to make sure they're tame (e.g., he loves SSX Tricky which is a Playstation game with skiers and snowboarders). Obviously this guy who did the shooting was mentally ill or at least clinically depressed... If only it were next to impossible for someone like this to get his hands on a gun and ammunition.:(

 

[SnowHot]

The intended tone of SkiDiva.com is non political, and I think its important for us to try and maintain that tone. However, its difficult to feel the hurt of such a tragedy without having your mind go to various hot topics.(gun control and video games are just two of those hot topics).

The fact remains, this kid was angry at people he felt were wealthier than he was, and was hurt when he had inappropriate/unrequited feelings toward a few girls. It is evident that many tried to help him get the help he needed but it is hopeless if he didn't want the help. I've been that friend who felt helpless with someone who was sliding into a pit of despair. Its not a fun place to be, when you watch them slip away.

Blame is not to be had, it just is what it is. Saddly, what it is, is something that I can't wrap my mind around.:(

 

[pinto]

I read today that he was diagnosed as autistic some years ago, but never treated properly? Don't know how true that is, though.

In addition to prayers and thoughts for the victims, their families, and the students, also remember the killer's family. I don't know for sure, but it seems like they are completely shocked by this, and I think that they are possibly in the worst position of all. As a parent, I can't ever ever ever imagine the pain and shame and sheer awfulness of having your own child do something like that.

I know many will probably start pointing fingers at the family (I live about 2 miles from Columbine HS, so I know how that goes), but I can't do that. Yet, anyway.