At the funeral a couple, Dave and Katie Read, knew that my four children, spouses, grandchildren were there without me. They made an effort to reach out to my children and I was able to thank Katie later for being there for my children when I could not be. My children were confused as to her relationship to the family. They thought perhaps Katie was my father's sister and were to embarrassed to find out who she was. Dave and Katie Read are neighbors of my parents in Macedon, NY. They were responsible for making my parents feel welcome in the St. Ann's church community. They attended bible study with my parents and have been emotionally available to my family as we adjusted to life without our mother/wife.
Yesterday I found out that they suffered the most profound tragedy that grandparents could. Their beloved granddaughter Mary Karen Read was gunned down at Norris Hall at Virginia Tech. She was 19. Now that tragedy has gotten personal. I did not know Mary. But I knew that her grandparents had reached out to my children at a difficult time. And now I am powerless to do anything for them. My heart bleeds for them and their loss. As I celebrate and mourn a life well lived (my mother) , I am also heartbroken over a life barely lived and grieving. Not only for the loss of Mary Read to her family and friends but for all the innocent that violently die each day as the evil mad human beings in our society take life and cause a huge amount of suffering among the innocent.
Mary Read is the beautiful girl on the right.
1 comment:
My goodness. That brings this week's tragedy at Virginia Tech closer to home. And the thought that there are undoubtedly other troubled individuals still out there is even more disconcerting.
Lance
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