Colorado Shooting, Another Tragedy
By Elizabeth Horner 

In my young life, I have watched so many tragedies on television --- vivid pictures of natural and man-made cataclysms.  I can’t help but be bothered by what I see and hear sometimes. I was only 7 years old when the Twin Towers collapsed and I have this vivid memory of billowing white powder grabbing for people who were trying to run away from it. I was 13 years old when the big tsunami hit Thailand--- reminding me of a story of a mother who had to let go of one child so she stood a chance of saving at least one of them.  

Tonight as I opened my e-mail, there is a call for prayer for the victims of the Colorado shooting and the speedy recovery of a Fil-Am victim, Ryan L, who is only 17 years old.  He is not the only young person directly affected by this horrific act. 

Ryan, according to the message from my Fil-Am family, is in stable condition at the University Hospital and is scheduled to undergo a 2nd surgery this afternoon. I do not know what to think or say except how I try to personally cope --- to hope. To hope and pray for his speedy recovery --- to hope and pray for all the victims and their families --- to hope and pray for all those that responded to the event who I’m sure will be affected by the conditions that unfolded before their eyes --- that out of this tragedy, they find new meaning, that all their sorrows become the building blocks for discovering new strength and energy.  I hope and pray that they be blessed with a richer, more meaningful life and be rewarded by a wealth of love in the future. 

And I hope and pray that we all learn from the tragedies of the past.