Let’s Go, Hokies

As this day comes to a close, it strikes me that the grieving may take longer than expected.  I’m not talking about the grieving of families/friends that were directly, closely affected.  Of course that is going to take a long time.  I’m speaking specifically about the grief that I share, the grief of the Hokie Nation.

Sitting here in Charlotte, I am physically detached from the events in Blacksburg by some 180 miles.  Emotionally….a much different story.  Several times today, the grief has overcome me.  The tears – a fresh reminder of what has happened.  They go away, only to come back later.  I know that will continue.  Those that know me – know me as a person who isn’t afraid to show emotion.

The emotion showed during today’s beautiful convocation at the Cassell.  I was moved deeply by the clear signal sent by all in attendance very early – back off Charles Steger.  What a well deserved ovation.  Then came Gov. Kaine.  If there was ever a man who would have had an excuse for a sub-par performance, he’s your guy.  Flying in from Tokyo, no doubt tired and weary, he provided a truly inspiring speech.  Leading our country through yet another horrific incident, President Bush delivered wonderful, comforting words.  All of this was to be expected.  What I didn’t count on was an other-worldly battle cry from poet Nikki Giovanni. 

As if the service wasn’t uplifting enough, Giovanni’s words were followed by such a sweet sound: 

“Let’s Go Hokies”. 

Amen.  Let’s go, Hokies. 

I keep reminding myself of one of the most telling ideals of the Christian faith.  God doesn’t give heavy burdens to the weak.  Those most trying of trials are placed on the backs of the strong and able. 

Let’s go, Hokies.

This incident will be our legacy for generations to come.  How we, as a proud Hokie Nation, respond…will guide that legacy.

Let’s go, Hokies.

The grief will be in our hearts and in our minds for a long time.   But the hope of better days will begin to shine through.

Let’s go, Hokies.

It is our burden now to memorialize those that have fallen.  We certainly didn’t ask for this burden.  But it is ours to accept and carry through.

Let’s go, Hokies.

What it means to be a Hokie

A mere 2 days ago, on April 15th, 2007, I feel as if my answer to this question would have been quite different than it will be today – 1 day after the most horrific and deadliest shooting in modern US history occurred at Virginia Tech. My alma mater.

Can that really be correct?

So I ponder: Is my answer different today b/c the definition has changed, or is it b/c priorities are irreversibly different? I think the answer lies somewhere in between. You see, a Hokie is – and always be – a fiercely loyal servant. Expect nothing less of a community bound by the motto of “That I may serve”. A servant above all else. To a loving God. To our family. Our friends. Our community and school. Our country.

No, that much is not different. However, a tragedy of this magnitude changes things. Changes people.

The aforementioned priorities in one’s life certainly change. The everyday weight of life, work, etc seems trivial to so many of us right now. I found myself happy to be dealing with the stresses of my job today. The streets of heaven are filled today with young people who will never have that chance. Members of an extended Hokie family that many of us will never know. Members of immediate families that are left to deal with unthinkable loss and grief.

Today, as the world watches, as dignitaries including President and Mrs. Bush descend upon one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever known, a great big hole in the Hokie Nation is being filled with love and prayers. The healing will take time, but it is important to know that the healing will happen.

There it is. That attitude. That belief. That faith. That perseverance. That…that is what it means to be a Hokie.

It is through faith in an awesome God that many of us today will desperately look for solace. The 18th verse of Psalm 34 proclaims:

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.”

I also find my self profoundly touched by these words, written by Steph’s sister in the days following 9/11, to remember the victims and heroes of that tragic day. Her words ring true today as well:

There’s a hero’s welcome

in heaven tonight;

An army of angel’s is taken to flight.

Tears may fall

on earth here below;

but there’s a hero’s welcome

in heaven, I know.