April 19, 2007, Thursday

Past several days, like many others, I was deeply saddened, shocked by the tragedy happened in Virginia Tech. I am extremely sorry for the families of the victims. I could not imagine the suffering they are going through right now. With so much coverage in the media, how could they go on their everyday life?

Like many others, I do not personally know anyone whose children are currently enrolled in Virginia Tech. (I do know a few VT alumni though.) From talking to people, I noticed the impact of this tragedy to people’s life is vastly different, from person to person.

However, I seem to be more troubled than some. That could be because my own suffering and grieving. I have become more vulnerable and emotional over human suffering in the world.

I was hoping that I would be overwhelmed by this VT tragedy, so that my grieving over the loss of Lydia could be distracted, not intensified.

This afternoon, for whatever reason, looking at Lydia’s picture put me into severe grieving. I thought my grieving for Lydia was deviated…

Not so easy.

A bit frustrated.

But in other aspect, I am still in a great family, church, schools, work place, and local communities which continue to provide love and support. These are the acts of God, the ultimately comforting God. He blesses us through many people, direct or indirect. And yet, suffering continues to happen everywhere. He put all of these together so we can gain perspectives, and the wisdom of God.

People often use the roller coaster ride to describe the life of the bereaved parents. Not so enjoyable if I could not get off after five minutes of the ride.

But, God is in control. And he is good. I’d better learn to enjoy it.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)