May/June 2000

Ripples of Love by Sue Goode
Part Two of a story excerpted from her upcoming new book about the many blessings that have come as a result of the Columbine tragedy.

Since the previous issue, which included the first "Ripples of Love" article for the LFC News until now, (the very moment you are reading this), the information for the book continues to flow to me rapidly. I am amazed at the stories people have to share about Columbine and its long-lasting effect. The strong impact on people’s lives is evidenced over and over again.

Indeed, a reality life check tugged gently yet insistently at people’s hearts, which led many to pause and think again about their daily existence, causing a major cycle of seriously re-evaluating the way they currently live. Because they witnessed Columbine and learned how totally unpredictable the end of our lives are, that they can be over ever so quickly, people began to ask questions of themselves. Immediately after asking deep soul searching questions, they ended with, "Am I living my life the way I am supposed to or do I simply exist and go through life each day with no real meaning?"

During this heartfelt search for true and definitive purpose in their lives, yes indeed, many people have experienced a wonderful, bright, new dawn of discovery. This brings to my mind and heart two great young people who wrote about Columbine. As we all know, young people are the future of our world and these two set absolutely great examples.

Eighteen-year-old Matt from St. Louis. Mo. wrote: "High school was such a precious time for me, it makes me angry and sad that someone would take that away from you and your classmates. I am also angry at myself because I realize that my priorities and complaints seem so selfish and I feel guilty that I put myself first in my life. Now I have completely changed my priorities. I only wish there were some way for me to be there and help you, but since this letter is the probably the closest I will get. I send condolences from everyone in St. Louis.You are always in my thoughts and prayers."

(Author Note: Wow, what an insightful caring young man!)

Let’s continue now to the next Columbine message…

Here is an incredible poem from Marquita, a student at a Kentucky middle school, preceded by her personal note: "I cannot imagine what you went through and continue to go through. You are not alone, that is why I wrote this poem for you."

I WANT YOU TO TELL ME

So many school shootings are happening now,
You never know when you’re safe in your home?
Your town?
Many devastating events, outrageous, I must say.
All of these deaths; occurring day by day.
It happened in your state, my state too!
In Colorado AND Kentucky; seriously, at
Heath High School!

I just can’t believe it,
Are we safe anymore?
Can we get through first period without wondering?
What will come through the door?
I just don’t know can you tell me?
What is wrong with us?
Why can’t we be worry-free?
What causes us to do such evil? Drugs? Alcohol?
Cold, cruel people?
Is it what we watch? What we hear?
What some people say?
You never know who or what to blame.

So you tell me,
What are the intentions of the things we do?
To be noticed? Well known?
Just to have all eyes on you?
You tell me.

I’m not a doctor, so I can’t give you the
Name of this deadly disease,
I don’t know what we are infected with.
All I can give is my opinion on what we need.
I’m not a psychic either; who knows what lies ahead.
Will there be more school shootings?
More people dead?
You tell me.

To all of these questions, answers must be found.
May God keep us safe and keep us around.

(Author Note: Yes, Marquita may be young but she certainly has wisdom well beyond her years….)

Thank you dear Marquita and Matt…

It is my sincere hope that as time continues to pass from that fateful day, that we do not forget how precious the gift of life we have is, that we do not let life just pass us by. But instead, that we choose to learn how to live and breathe in deeply the present moment, with much gratitude in our hearts and that we continue to reach out and help others in all ways possible. It is my hope rather than simply exist, we can fully live and fully love.


Reprinted with permission by Sue Goode. 
Copyright © 2000 The Lullaby for Columbine Project.
All Rights Reserved.