Tragic events happen everyday, but when they hit close to heart and home it takes courage and strength to work through them. Stephen and I send our prayers out to every one touched by the Virginia Tech shootings. We have a special place in our hearts for VT because it helped make us who we are today.
Stephen and I are VT alumni and we also live right outside of Blacksburg in Newport, Virginia. After attending VT Stephen and I decided to settle down here because of its majestic Blue Ridge mountains, its academic culture, and the quaint southern hospitality that overflows from the hearts and hearths of the community.
Yesterday was a difficult day for Stephen and me, since we are working on the July/August issue of Quilts with Style, which reflects on patriotism, national pride, summertime fun, and many more exciting things we like to do on those lazy days of summer, but our enthusiasm for the issue has come to a quick stop.
Around 10:00 am on Monday Stephen heard a news alert on the radio regarding the shooting at AJ, which is a dorm that Stephen used to work in. While attending VT Stephen and I worked full-time to pay our way through college and Stephen worked for the VT Housing/Maintenance Department. AJ was one of the dorms that Stephen worked in for several years. It is disheartening when innocent people become the targets of a madman, who neither considers the extended effects of hurting another person, nor respects the true value of life.
Both Stephen and I attended lectures, presentations, and cut through Norris Hall to get across campus faster. The VT campus was a big part of who we are and we are connected to the rich history of VT. When tragedy befalls any community friendship, compassion, and support is found in strangers and family alike.
This morning we awoke to a new day with deep thoughts of security, family, and our fellow citizens. Everyday the world becomes a little smaller as our community grows and we realize that we are a part of a global community. Together we can heal from the events that have transpired, but only through hard work can we truly extinguish the random acts of violence. The magnificence and strength of a great quilt is build through hard work and perseverance. Every quilt is stitched through good and hard times, but in the end it offers refuge when needed. Our global community is much like a great quilt because humanity is the thread holding us together. Deep within our hearts love is found. Our prayers, hope, and strength will rebuild our community like a patchwork quilt.