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I
write this on the anniversary of our mission trip to New York City reflecting
back on the many wonderful opportunities LFC's Columbine Call had in
bringing healing from a community that is also familiar with tragedy.
Moreover, it is a powerful reminder to me the difference people can
make when they simply reach out of their world to touch another who
may be hurting. LFC Columnist Aaron Delay sums it up well in this issue
when he reminds us how even a simple jester of love and care can make
such a difference to another person.
I wish I could say that such events as 9/11 and Columbine will cease
to happen again, but that would be unrealistic. I believe what is paramount
is to simply live lovingly in spite of the chaos that dwells among us.
It isn't easy at times, but the inspiration from the heroes that emerge
from such misfortunes can light our path.
Heroes do not become heroes when we discover them. Heroes don't need
to be discovered, yet it can be awing when they are. Heroes come in
all sizes and shapes, most of them are quietly woven into the fabric
of our everyday lives and are hardly noticed, but they are there making
the world a better place one day, one humble act at a time. They may
be your sister or brother, a friend, a classmate or a coworker just
doing their best in the "everyday". You may even be one of
them and not know it.
Some endeavors happen more collectively through a strategic effort like
our project, which has been around for over three years now. Reflecting
back on all that has been achieved, everyone who contributed to our
project at one time or another, or on a continuum like our wonderful
board of directors, has been a hero to our community and the world beyond
in some unique way. There is no way to keep count of all of the mini-miracles
that happen when people do good things. For me, this has been my greatest
honor since our humble beginning back in 1999. It has been an adventure
I will never forget, moreover, one that will always inspire me.
In late spring, our board of directors met and began the process of
making a thorough examination of what existing and new opportunities
prevailed where funds collected from the sale of its CD, Lullaby for
Columbine, Love Endures, could be best utilized. Like many of the charitable
organizations that were formed to raise funds for the families, our
initial goal was the same. This has actually been our guiding light
throughout the entire endeavor. Much to our surprise, though, the original
goal of helping the families no longer existed due to the time that
has passed in delays that occurred beyond our control. As I indicated
in my last message, this opened up new horizons for healing that we
needed to explore.
Considering how much time and resources we spent raising as much funds
as possible, we also wanted to do as thorough of a job as possible in
researching the best options for disbursement.
At this juncture, out of a myriad of potential possibilities, we have
narrowed it to a few potential recipients we feel best qualify. The
board will again be meeting shortly to make a final determination on
this sensitive matter and make a full disclosure once the decision is
final. Our goal is to complete this process before the end of this year.
One of the other assets of the project is its online publication, LFCNews,
which has grown into an entity unto its own. Its fate will be decided
likewise. My goal is to keep it alive in whatever way best suits the
needs of our readers. Many options have been considered and many wonderful
possibilities exist for its future. Most inspiring is how we have seen
an influx of wonderful young writers who have submitted material for
publication to reach out to especially young people with their great
stories of hope and healing. And in a world such as ours, this is something
we recognize is much needed.
As
the Lullaby for Columbine Project draws near to the time of completing
the long-awaited disbursement process and that its other less-tangible
assets such as LFCNews are distributed or re-engineered in some way,
we prayerfully look to the future for doing a job we will be proud of
whatever the final outcome may be. Our path has not been easy, but it
has unexpectedly created opportunities that, had things been different
and more as we originally planned, we would not have before us.
It reminds me of what my late father always used to say, "Where
God closes a door, He always opens a window". Perhaps this best
sums up our circumstances. One comforting thought for me is that, as
needs continue to evolve after any tragic event, it is always great
when there is someone around to be there that is able to satisfy that
need. We are anxious to have that opportunity and look forward to achieving
that as best as possible.
Until that time, which is near, we thank you for your support, patience,
and prayers.
God bless and have a spirit-filled holiday!
Michael Tamburello
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