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Part One of a three
part story excerpted
from an upcoming
new book by Sue
Goode about the
many blessings that
have come out of the
Columbine tragedy
"Certainly
the course of time cannot be changed, even though we would like
to change it, and so that in itself clearly shows us how precious
each moment is in life and that it is to be savored."
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Ripples
of Love
by Sue Goode
Part One of a three part story
excerpted from her upcoming new book about the many blessings that have
come as a result of the Columbine tragedy.
It
is May in the year of 2000. It has been thirteen long and grueling
months since the tragedy at Columbine. The media has broadcast and re-broadcast
the events of that day. Perhaps we have to ask ourselves what if anything
has changed in the wake of that murderous day? If we had the ability
to turn back time to again precede April 20, 1999, and were once again
able to see, talk to and laugh with Cassie, Steven, Corey, Kelly, Matthew,
Daniel, Dan Dave, Rachel, Isaiah, John, Lauren, and Kyle, what would
that be like? What if we had the good fortune to speak with them and
tell them how glad we were that the entire murderous Columbine day had
been erased and how happy we were to have them back with us? On that
day, would we be able to tell them of changes within us due to the tragedy?
Would we be able to relay the message to them that our hearts were more
loving and accepting of one another? Would we be able to tell them stories
about the people around us being more loving and caring as well?
Certainly the course of time cannot be changed, even though we would
like to change it, and so that in itself clearly shows us how precious
each moment is in life and that it is to be savored.
At one of the many anniversary
tributes I attended, Columbine family members and survivors approached
the microphone on the stage to speak to us. Some were visibly shaken;
some seemed to be in deep reflection, while others wept as they were
kind enough to speak to us through their pain. One mother, Doreen Tomlin,
described the past year as bittersweet. She said it was bitter because
they lost their beloved son, and sweet from the goodness displayed by
friends, families, and total strangers from around the country and around
the world. This brings to my mind a couple of poignant examples.
Most inspiring is the one of Jeff Topel, who was led to take action
by initiating his own one-man campaign of selling the Lullaby for Columbine
CD at his church and school to raise funds for the victims of Columbine.
A recent high school graduate from Fort Collins, Colorado, Jeff is a
fine young man with a very big heart and a world before him that is
much better from having him in it.
The Lullaby for Columbine Project itself has been another unique
blessing to come out of the Columbine tragedy. The story behind their
moving CD along with Jeff’s story is in my upcoming, new book, titled:
Ripples of Love, The Spiritual Stories of Columbine.
Among other positive happenings, the book includes an entire chapter
that is devoted to demonstrating the great love set in motion that poured
forth after April 20, 1999. The many blessings that have come from Columbine
are best summed up by Melinda Swartz, one among many affected by Columbine,
whose words appear in the book; "As young as they were, they have already
created ripples in the pool of humanity, ever-widening and eternal.
Throughout their lives, they have poured the unique essence of their
being into those around them. Their existence has blessed friends and
family member in ways that will forever change them, and because of
the widening ripples, they in turn will touch the whole world."
Reprinted with permission
by Sue Goode.
Copyright ©
2000 The Lullaby for Columbine Project.
All Rights Reserved.
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