Hokies Thank the World

I am sure that most of you remember the Virginia Tech Massacre that took place on April 16th of this year. If you are new to my blog you may not know that both of my brothers and my sister-in-law were attending Virginia Tech when this terrible tragedy occurred. All three were unharmed physically, but we can only try to imagine the emotional toll this took on the lives of each and every person there that day. You can read my post here about that awful day.

Over the weekend there was a "Hokies Thank the World" event in which students and people from the community got together to thank to world for all of the support following that tragic day. Here is a picture from the Hokies Thank the World website. You can visit the website to read more about this event and to see more pictures. My brother Matt and his wife Ellie are still attending VT, working on their masters degrees. They attended this event and are standing in the VT towards the bottom point of the V.

One Day Blog Silence in Honor of the Vicitims at VT

Hokie Hope

Hokie Hope will take place on Friday, April 20th. It is an alumni-led declaration of a national "Orange and Maroon Effect" day. So, everyone wear your orange and maroon in honor of the victims from Virginia Tech.

April 30th will be a One Day Blog Silence. Get the details here.

Wordless Wednesday #1

April 30, One Day Blog Silence

On April 30th 2007, the Blogosphere will hold a One-Day Blog Silence in honor of the victims at Virginia Tech. More then 30 died at the US college massacre. Read the details here and spread the word.

Tragedy at Virginia Tech

There is tragic news from Virginia Tech today as a gunman has killed at least 21 people in what has been reported as the deadliest school shooting in US history. Most of you know that my brothers Mike and Matt, and Matt's fiancee' Ellie attend school at VT. The three of them were not physically harmed, although they are understandably shook up. Matt and Ellie were off campus when it occurred. Mike was on campus in a classroom that was locked down until it was safe for the students to leave. Mike is now also safely off the campus with Matt and Ellie. I am so thankful that none of my loved ones were injured. At the same time I can not stop thinking about the many families who will be receiving the unthinkable news that their loved one is not okay. It's sad and scary and it reminds me of what is important in life. There are things that just seem to matter- going here and there and getting this and that done. I get caught up in the day to day things and worry about stuff that is just not important. When something like this happens it reminds me that what matters in life are the people. People can not be replaced while everything else can be. I need to remember not to take anyone for granted as we never know how long we have. Please remember those hurt by this tragedy in your prayers and especially those families who have lost a loved one.

You can get the latest news on CNN's website. There is also information on the Virginia Tech website.

Update: According to ABC news 29 people have been confirmed dead with at least 17 more hospitalized.

Update at 10pm: The latest news has confirmed at least 33 people dead, including the gunman.