My Condolences, Colorado

So I know we were supposed to do Websites, Part 3 this week but I’m taking a break from the scheduled blog to send my condolences to the victims and families of this past week’s mass shooting in Colorado. I will continue with websites next week.

As a Virginia Tech alumni, I’m unfortunately no stranger to mass shootings and the emotions that go along with them. I love the university but also admit that April 16, 2007 changed my perception of the safe, booming college town which is Blacksburg.

July 20, 2012 will forever change the lives of not only the victims and the families of those victims, but also the residents of Aurora, Colorado. They’ve clearly had their safety breached and it may take a long while to gain some sense of comfort back.

I don’t know what was going through James Holmes’ mind and I don’t know if I’d understand it even if I found out what he was thinking. One lesson life has taught me is that we are all different and no matter how hard some of us try, we may not be able to “stand in another person’s shoes.” I imagine if Mr. Holmes had been able to stand in his victims’ or their families’ shoes, he might not have proceeded to plan out and implement such a tragic act. At least, that is what I, as a human, would like to believe about someone in my species.

For those of you in Aurora, for those of you who’ve lost family members or friends, for those of you who have spent the last few days watching TV and reading articles and feeling your heart clench for all those involved, I send my thoughts and prayers to you.

Filed under: Emotions, Toni Kelly, Writer's Life