A Tribute to Virginia Tech - Jewell Utt
Seven years ago I received a call from my son, a student at Virginia Tech. It was the year of the shooting. Thirty-two lives of promise were ended on one solemn day. It’s a day I will never forget. My heart and prayers continue for the families, students and faculty who lived through it.
We send our kids away to college to prepare them for the future. To gain life experiences, to live away on their own, and of course to earn a degree. Is it too much to expect that they will also be safe?
Today, school shootings and campus violence have become a frequent occurrence. It’s a side of life we hope won’t be a part of our children’s memories. We don’t want them to live in fear. Nor have their school remembered as “that place the massacre happened.” Neither do we want potential college students to look the other way when choosing a school. Unfortunately, all three are realities after a tragedy. But not for all.
We honor the thirty-two victims of that day. Their contribution no longer our gain. And also thank God for the many victims who survived. Their contribution, our future and hope. Virginia Tech students will not be mastered by tragedy, but will protect their school, utilize their degrees and be stronger individuals as a result.
In the midst of the sorrow, I witnessed courage, strength and loyalty by students and faculty of Virginia Tech. Tragedy can break us down or build our character. To know a “Hokie,” is to know this character. I have four “Hokies” in my life, two extra special, my son and his future bride. In their lives we see a light.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
