Virginia Tech’s Norris Hall, the Bridge of San Luis Rey, and my friend, George

On Friday, April 20, 2007, I sat in the sanctuary of a small Baptist Church and prayed for the family who has lost a devoted husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather, a friend. I prayed too for the congregation of this Baptist Church that has lost a devoted Christian man, the Chairman of the Deacons – a man who knew his body was giving out even as he pressed on. During this service surrounded by music, my heart seemed to take flight across America and into foreign lands to hold in prayer the parents and loved ones of those 32 souls who were ripped from life so abruptly on Monday, April 16, 2007, "called home" from Virginia Tech’s Norris Hall. My friend George was “called home” just hours later in the early dawn of April 17th. Today, I must believe, that in God’s wide and broad Heaven, George was “called home” to stand with your sons, daughters, wives, and husbands from Virginia Tech – a strong, loving, humble man at their side. They are with a fine man; they are with each other; and, it is my belief, they are with God. As we sat in the sanctuary with its stained glass windows, its unadorned cross, the coffin draped by the flag of the United States of America, we could bring some reason to the loss of a life so full and rich that was taken from his family by untimely illness. Of this we can bring reason to our grief and loss… But just hours before George put down this mortal coil, shots rang out in Norris Hall. Words cannot offer but the most humble solace and comfort to the families and loved ones of those lost in this tragedy. In the grief of the tragedy at Virginia Tech which defies all reason, I am reminded of Thornton Wilder’s The Bridge of San Luis Rey and Wilder’s central question: “Is there a direction and meaning in lives beyond the individual’s own will?” Or more succinctly, why this bridge, why these lives, why now? It is a question beyond our capacity to answer. We cannot make sense of the senseless. We can only call upon our Faith, our God, and thank God for the fleeting moments these Souls briefly touched the Earth and us with their sprightly spirits and their joy and expectations of life. It is upon their love and the grace of God that we must turnover our grief. Grief and sorrow is held only by those of us who remain behind and for us, Wordsworth offered comfort and a means to draw upon that strength which resides within: There is splendor in the grass Glory in the flower I will weep not but rather find Strength in what remains behind… My friend George was a man’s man with a gentle heart. George faced things head-on; he never backed down in adversity; he never failed his wife of over 50 years, his children, his God, or his nation serving in the Korean War and in Vietnam. And so too the Hokies of Virginia Tech – they face life head-on and they don’t back down. A “Celebration of Life” was held for George and his family and friends at the Baptist church he served so well. His son David spoke with such eloquence in his esteem for a father who was always there to teach, to love, to help. A full military tribute was held for George. When the flag was snapped from atop the coffin, when taps were played by a lone bugler and when the repeat of a rifle salute pierced the brisk air, my heart filled with thanks and love for all who have served our nation and for all who receive that tightly-folded Stars and Stripes – all we can give as a symbol of respect from a grateful people. We returned to the church for lunch in fellowship and prayer as George’s family began a new day surrounded by love and friendship. Through God’s promise, there is Victory over the grave… May God’s love give you comfort, ease your anguished hearts, and, in His time, lift the burden of grief from your Soul to be rejuvenated by memories of Grace and Love. The world mourns with you as we trust in God… [Cross-posted at here]