Yesterday

Rachel here. While I have some really exciting pictures and information to post about yesterday, I can't help but comment about the tragedy that happened first. As I sat watching television, waiting for Bryan to get home with our Valentine's dinner barely noticing the scrolling news on the bottom of my screen, I saw pictures that were way too familiar. Instead of a lovely, romantic dinner with my husband, I found myself peeled to the television anticipating any new information on the shootings at NIU. It honestly felt like someone stabbed my heart. At first, I couldn't catch my breath. I did exactly what I had done not even a year ago at the breaking news... I called my brother to make sure he was okay. I realize the news broadcasters and specialists only naturally had to compare NIU to Virginia Tech, but each time they said "Virginia Tech", I felt my heart sink more and more. The numbers were growing, the students were telling their accounts of what had happened and what they had seen. Deja vu. Just when the wounds were beginning to heal, and this amazing community was getting back on their feet... open wounds and victims again. While it was not on our campus, it happened all over again in our hearts. I feel for the families, students, faculty, and that community, but I'm thankful it wasn't worse. I was saying to Bryan last night that I hated the fact that they were comparing us, that I hated that this great school/community had to hold such an awful record. He said he was extremely relieved that we didn't lose that record yesterday. Noone should ever have to hold this record... and honestly I hope we hold it forever. Sending Hokie love to the Huskies!