The descriptions of the victims as well as comments posted by people who knew them and people who didn't, made for tough reading for me. I cried.
NYT also carried links to the victims' myspace.com sites. It was heartbreaking to see some friends posting comments on the sites like "Hi, are you okay?" or "Hey, are you all right", followed afterwards by "Rest in peace, my friend" posted on the very same day that they were shot and killed. And family members and relatives posting: "Hey cuz, give us a call so we no you are all right, we're worried about you" and "call your parents asap".
One South Korean by the name of Yoojung Lee posted his condolences on almost every single victim's profile in the NYT website. Like him, I went through what NYT had reported about every single victim, and felt very sad for the lives that could have been.
May we all find comfort in Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are then called to His purpose.
I wanted to post a comment on every victim from the NYT coverage so that I can remember this day as the day the Lord brought many of his faithful home:
"Honesty and straightforwardness in strangers is a rarity. Treasure those who truly exemplify these traits -- because you may never again meet another who does."
- The quote that victim Ross Alameddine, 20, kept on his AOL Instant Messenger profile.
For Jamie's family
When you come to the edge of all that you know,
You must be sure of one of two things:
There will be earth upon which to stand,
Or you will be given wings.
My prayers are with you
- Posted by Kristy Bonner on victim Jamie Bishop, 35
“When someone you love becomes a memory,
the memory becomes a treasure”.
“The memory of a good person
is a blessing”.
Proverb 10:7
- Posted by Melina on victim Brian Bluhm, 25
Friend…i won’t never forget you, you’ll always be in my mind, i can hear the heaven calling you, so good for friend
- Posted by Sam Adams Ryan on victim Ryan Clark, 22
Austin I loved our time together here on earth and I will see you in heaven girlie. Your family basically adopted me while I was at Illinois and I will never forget all of our times together. I keep thinking of us at the Today Show in New York with the silly things on our head b/v we thought Matt Lauer would talk to us if we acted silly! You were so giving, loving, funny and such an amazing gal. We had years between us - but that didn’t matter - you were wise beyond your years. I love you sweet girl.
- Posted by Kelly (McGauvran) Webb on victim Austin Cloyd, 19
I was lucky enough to have had Professor Couture-Nowak as a teacher for a French course my freshman year at Tech. Her spirited enthusiasm for the language and for Canada was unforgettable. She was an amazing woman - a fantastic teacher and loving mother. She loved life. She will be missed.
- Posted by Joanna Carey on victim Jocelyne Couture-Nowak
As a peruvian an a alumni of University of Washington, I understand why we leave our country in search of a better future. We are hard workers and our families are our priority. I bet his dreams and hopes were so big and he touched so many lives during his lifetime and right now he is with God watching for his family and friends.
God bless him and Virginia Tech students.
- Posted by Mary Osorio on victim Daniel Perez Cueva, 21
My son was recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy. When I heard that one of the shooting victims had been a leading researcher in CP, I felt a personal loss.
I am grateful for all of Professor Granata’s work in this field. I am also grateful for the many, many people who have been inspired by Dr. Granata to work towards a life without limits for people with CP. Please keep up his work. May God led the family, friends, and colleagues of Professor Granata to a place of peace and acceptance.
— Posted by Jenn Tobin, mother of a child with CP, on victim Kevin Granata
Matt was such an amazing person. I had him for a GTA for my engineering class this semester and saw him the morning before he died because he always sits in on my 8am Engineering lecture but leaves early because he has an 9am class in Norris Hall. He was an amazing teacher, always asking questions that made you think and always answering questions to anything you didn’t understand. I will always remember his smile. God bless him, his family and close friends.
— Posted by Christine on victim Matthew Gwaltney
Caitlin was a dear friend of my daughter.The kindest of friends.She was also my student-and friend.She was the kind of student that teachers dream of-a fellow artist to work and share with. When I think of her one word comes to mind-GOOD.I will always remember the beautiful and strong bond that she shared with her mom,Marion and the great relationship that she built with her Dad,Chris.I want to tell everyone about Caitlin.I am sorry for all those who did not get to know her.Rest in peace.
— Posted by Adrienne Butvinik on victim Caitlin Hammaren, 18
truly, it seems that the very best of us die young - i don’t understand because it is us who needs them - i do believe in the power of praying hard to God to ask for outrageous consolation - johnette benkovic has talked movingly and intimately about how the pain was so great when her son died, she could only pray the rosary - and that God’s grace has been “sufficient” - i believe it is possible for those closest to him to feel comfort from jeremy in a sense of presence, in a dream - and i pray for him, for his family, and for all of us - the shooter was a boy in such pain, it must have been unendurable - and now so many share than unbearable pain - God Bless us all -
— Posted by carrie sheridan, on victim Jeremy Herbstritt, 27
"God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain."
- In her yearbook after graduating from Grove Avenue Christian School, victim
Rachel Elizabeth Hill, 18, chose a quote from C.S. Lewis to accompany her photo, and those who knew her say it was a prophetic line that may have brought her comfort in her final moments at Virginia Tech on Monday.
I knew Emily from a few years ago when I used to ride horses at a local stable. We went on long trail rides as a group, her mother would often be there. I remembering being impressed, because I was only a novice rider, when her trainer told Emily to shorten up the reigns as Emily took off on a full gallop around a pasture where we were riding. This might not see too impressive but riding English horses (no saddle horn) in the mountains is a dangerous activity–going fast downhill feels like flying. Anyway Emily was getting ready for a pony race at the Virginia Gold Cup. I did not see her much after I quit riding at the stables and then 6 months ago I saw her at the stables again. She was no longer this skinny 13 year old but a young woman on her way to Virginia Tech to study about horses—so her hobby would become her vocation.
— Posted by Walker Elliott Rowe on victim Emily Hilscher, 19
My wife Anne and I had the honor of living, teaching, and coaching in the small community of Narrows for 13 Years. I had Jarrett in Classes from grdes k-7, My wife Anne Was his third grade teacher. Jarrett was a great kid in school, as were his 2 sisters. His Mom and Grandmother are good people and hard workers, Jarrett learned these values and that contributed to the type of young man that he was. I was attending the Va. Tech coaches clinic this past weekend, one of the coaches that rode with me wanted to stop at the Tech Bookstore so he could get something for his 2 boys. While I was in the bookstore, someone called out ” Mr. Mabry”, I turned and I did not recognize him at first ( It had been 8 years since I last saw him) He stuck out his hand , and he said “Jarrett Lane”. He was with his mother and we had about a 25 Minute conversation at the Bookstore…..He was telling me of his Grad. School choices, we talked of the town of Narrows, Football, he asked about my children and where I was coaching . It was a great conversation. I went home and told Anne about our conversation and she began telling our three girls about him. You could see her beaming with pride, she always thought the world of Jarrett and she wanted our 3 girls to share in that pride. I cant help but feel That there was a reason that he picked me out of a crowd to talk to me 36 hours before this tragedy, I will do my best to figure it out, but I do know that the Mabry family was extremely fortunate to know Jarrett and his Family and we will treasure that last conversation always.
David Mabry from Altavista, Virginia
— Posted by David Mabry on victim Jarrett Lane, 22
"You've been relentless and persistent, putting your all into me. I love you. And Dad, I hope that I've become a man in your eyes, and that whatever I do in life, you are proud of me."
- In his oration before graduating from Carson Long Military Institute, victim Matthew La Porte, 20, spoke of them -- his mother, father, and sister Priscilla.
Henh,
We have all lost a great and true friend. I spoke with you briefly before your death but our short conversation will remain in my heart forever. There is so much to say about you that it would most likely exceed the maximum word count for this article. So…I’ll just leave you what I left on your Facebook. I love you.
“Although you’re not here to read this, I know that you’re in a better place watching us cry our tears. You were a light to each and every one of us and I was so lucky to have spent five truly memorable years with you. You were one of my closest friends and I will never forget the moments that you graced me with your infectious presence. Even though your physical life on this earth is over, you will always live in the hearts of all those you touched. I love you.”
Always in my heart,
Sam
— Posted by Samantha Smith on victim Henry Lee, 20
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
— Posted by Barak on victim Liviu Librescu, 75
Dr. Loganathan was a very gifted teacher. Never shying a
way from tough homework assignments, he was always available during office hours with a considerable desire to share his knowledge with others. His lessons and assignments helped shape my work ethic to what it is today. A winner of many teaching awards, the Civil Engineering community truly lost one of its finest. My prayers go out to his family.
— Posted by David A. Avery on victim G.V. Loganathan, 51
The Jakarta Post reported today that Partahi Mamora Halomoan Lumbantoruan, known as Mora, was a 34 year- old civil engineering doctoral student in his third year. According to his father, Lt. Col (ret.) Tohom Lumbantoruan, Mora was a good son, who regularly preached at church. He was scheduled to finish his doctorate next May.
— Posted by VT on victim Partahi Lumbantoruan, 34
I’m free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I’ve found peace at close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah, yes, these things too, I will miss.
Be not burdened with time of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much.
Good friends, good times,
A loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with so much grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me.
God wanted me know; He set me free.
— Posted by A friend on victim Lauren Ashley MaCain, 20
I met Dan while attending Lafayette College in Easton, PA. He was quite the guitarist, often accompanying his good friend, Amanda, at open mics and cafe nights. Senior year, Dan was always up in his room jammin’ out covers to the cheesiest pop songs. It was rare to come into the apartment and not hear an acoustic collaboration of Backstreet Boys upstairs.
Intense in his interests and loyal to his friends, Dan was a prominent figure among Lafayette’s art and theater community. His social circles connected to other groups as well so he was often seen around campus. In the words of another friend, “Dan was just always around. Knowing he won’t around anymore with a smile or quick hello is what I’ll miss the most; that sense of understated constancy”.
Dan decided to attend graduate school for engineering at Virginia Tech this past August. We were excited and happy for him.
— Posted by Jesslyn Roebuck on victim Daniel Patrick O'Neil, 22
I grieve for all of the deaths and, as a Puerto Rican, particularly for Juan Carlos. I wanto to share with all the words of John Donne, valid today as in the 16th. century when written.
John Donne (1573–1631)
Meditation XVII of Devotions Upon
Emergent Occasions (Fragment)
‘No man is an island, entire of itself;
every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were,
as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were.
Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind;
and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.’
— Posted by JOSE M. GARCIA-CASTRO on victim Juan Ortiz, 26
I know Minal’s family very well. This is unbelievable. To come on terms with a feeling of loss might be possible with passage of time but how can we console ourselves when our beloved dies just because some XYZ person got angry?? Minal was so happy and had great dreams.. a life came to an end before it could acatually take off…May god bless her soul and give Kavita and Aunty the strength to bear this.
— Posted by Her sister Kavita's friend - Purvi -on victim Minal Panchal, 26
Erin and I played on the same basketball team last summer…she was our big sister on the team, the one that was always willing to lend a hand whenever we needed it. She was always there to make us laugh with her huge personality and she will be forever missed. We love you erin and our hearts and prayers are with you.
— Posted by Rebecca Grimes on victim Erin Peterson, 18
My older brother was Mike’s guard on Hunterdon Central’s football team. To hear my brother too distraught to go to class and my father almost brought to tears over the news, I can only imagine the astronomical effect Mike had on those around him. I did not know Mike personally, but both my brother and father are people of sound judgement and solid character who deliver their loyalty and love to those who greatly deserve it. I’m certain that Mike deserved it. I’m sorry for the irreplacable things we lose in this world and my heart and prayers go to his family.
— Posted by Nicole Garibaldi on victim Michael Steven Pohle Jr
The loss of Julia is hard for me to even put in words. She had a passion for life and celebrated it everyday through creating beautiful jewelery, widdling wood, playing guitar until her fingers bleed, hiking, traveling, and striving for a greener world. She was a beautiful woman on the inside and out, that brought a sense of peace whenever she was around. I will miss seeing her bright face pass me along the huckleberry trail on my way to class and hearing her freestyle around the campfire. Through all of the sadness I hope to find a way to bring her passion into my life, and continue to strive for the dreams that she instilled in me.
— Posted by Amber Ellis on victim Julia Pryde, 23
I remember when Mary first came to Annandale high school…I met her the month before school started as part of the marching band, and immediately you could tell that she was a good person. She never spoke ill of anyone, and was always so willing to help another person out. We miss you, a lot, Mary, and we’ll never forget. Your heart made life so bright for so many people, and it will continue to do so. Love you kiddo.
— Posted by Luke on Mary Karen Read, 19
Reema you were the one who helped me through all my tough times… you made all my days brighter and fun filled… u made me smile every time we chatted online…u made me laugh when i needed to laugh…i miss you my lebani sandwich and i will always remember the jokes and disses we had toward each other….i love you habibti and i will always keep you in my heart as well as your family. You were my best pal in NAMY and you are now my best pal in my heart i hope your praying for everyone here and hopefully looking down at us. your in a better place now and i hope to join you when i get there love you.
— Posted by Lawrence Dababneh on victim Reema Samaha, 18
Waleed was a gentle and kind person, very peaceful and comforting to be around. The last time most of the community saw him was at the International Street Fair, sticking close to the muslims around and making jokes and having fun.
May God give him a high place in Heaven, may God make it easy on his family and may we all remember that death is very close.
— Posted by A Blacksburg Sister on victim Waleed Shaalan
I knew Leslie in high school. She was in many of my classes and I remember her kindness to all. She never disliked anyone. All the teachers loved her, especially her History teachers. She loved history. She also loved running; I believe she was on the cross-country team at West Springfield. I worked with her on certain assignments and she was always dedicated to getting the work done in any way she could. Her trademark was always putting a smile on everyone’s face. I just cannot believe this happened to her; I cannot think of any reason why anyone would do this to her. I feel deeply sorry for her family and am praying for them. I hope she is in a better place now, cheering up everyone there with her sense of humor.
— Posted by DB on victim Leslie Sherman, 20
Maxine, just looking at your picture, you are so beautiful! I wish I could turn back the hands of time and pull you from that burning building. When I think of this senseless tragedy, your face will always come to mind. The next time I visit my parents in Fairfax I will come by your gravesite to say hi.
— Posted by Kevin Richmond, VA on Maxine Turner, 22
1: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty,
2: will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”
3: For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence;
4: he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5: You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6: nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7: A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you.
8: You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.
9: Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your habitation,
10: no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.
11: For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways.
12: On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13: You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
14: Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15: When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him.
16: With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.
Families & friends, you are all in my daily prayers.
— Posted by Juliana, from Colombia on Nicole Regina White, 20
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