After searching through pages of information about campus departments, courses and available programs I ran across this link which some of you may find usefull.

“How You Can Help ” will come in many shapes and forms other than the gift of money. The blogs for fellow students, the sites for families and their loved ones, the outpouring of poetry and even songs show the various ways people share their time and thoughts which is infinitely more valueable than that dollar.

However, having been a short term college student at one time, having known students whose parents borrowed against their homes to cover tuition, books and housing for the first couple of years… there are always students who need scholarships.

At this moment, I highly recommend submitting a a few pennies to every dollar you make. Easy for me to say, I’m unemployed.  But that won’t stop me from sending whatever I can.  Perhaps I won’t be able to send more than a piece of art or a poem.

Or a play.

I”ll do what I can with what I have.

What Virginia Tech does with it is up to them.

Possibly an auction next semester…a poetry reading or anthology.  I wonder what they would do with one hundred and thirty three poems and paintings? I wonder what they would do with a play?

 After listening…seeing, feeling this universal surge of empathy with all the losses. And though this is a stretch for some… I see the school colors in the handiwork of sunset and sunrise. While this picture is from 1987, one that reminds me of the Creator’s fingers stealing a moment to paint…I felt the need to share this.

I am concerned that many people will refuse to recover from this, or will carry thier pain as a torch of revenge. Please, oh please do not allow yourselves to become crippled with hatred in any form!  I encourage you to write your feelings out. Journal, track these thoughts, share with a close friend and don’t use or abuse substances to get through your pain.

I know a great deal of college students are just beginning to feel the benifits of being an adult. Responsability comes with this. Please take care of your friend and fellow student by watching out for each other.

My prayers are for the lost, the lonely, the hurting. And for the parents of these children. We don’t always know what to do when our children are in chaotic pain.

Search for answers before results like these occur again. Let the Sunrise abide in our hearts rather than the Sunset.

What a blessing to have someone as insightful and outspoken as Nikki Giovanni on your side. Our side. The people’s side. Love’s side. The children’s side of life!

What a blessing to speak loud and strong, clearly understood in just a syllable or two…with love. With love. With HOPE.

What an ideal to follow. What an example to be repeated.

Stand up Virginia Tech with Ms. Giovanni and let the world know that you are capable of love, and hope, and forgiveness.

RELIEF 

Go through your stages

your rages

of pain and anger.

Your losses will make you feel

ten thousand crosses

so unreal.

This is the present.

The here. The now.

The adult.

That human factor we look towards when young.

Although this freedom

that arrives is not what we had thought,

And so our heads are hung

within a stinging plot

of time. And time itself

will reveal who and how and when and what,

far beyond the cut you feel inside your soul.

Who is reaching outwards to be made whole?

We are allowed, all owed one prayer to peace,

and in so praying

will release

ten thousands crosses, victims all,

reaching inward to the call of grief.

Travel Plans…well, I’m not too sure. But here’s a taste of the ideal trip.

San Diego is an absolute must. Not only am I a native…I’ve been in a few Imperial Beach Sand Castle Competitions, though it has been some time and my body is not in shape  for bulldozing sand.

Between Sand Castles and Comic Book Conventions…

If I have the money it’s a shoo in.  

Sounds like the beginning of a song?

If I don’t you’ll find the change is in  my shoe!

Perhaps wandering the Zoo is a safe bet…with the grandchildren?

Or maybe a night at the Casinos with an old flame?

Well whatever happens certainly will become an event to remember.

Now, I need to find sponsors. One for the Comic Con and one for The US Sand Castle Open.  Why both? Why not!