Doing something

[bex77]

Man, I love the internet. This morning, I am watching people be kind to each other - helping grieving UMMB students.

So often when someone dies, there is often little you can do beyond getting in touch to offer sympathy. Maybe bring food? Go to the wake or funeral? Be there in a week or a month when they need if, it they will let you in. Growing up in the parsonage, I saw the kindness and ingenuity of so many people figuring out more to do. I try to use that whenever I can.

It swells my heart to see all the things people are figuring out to do for these kids, and for the alums across the world who are feeling the "burning hot poker" of grief.

People are making phone calls, emailing, tweeting, posting to FB and LJ and writing articles in the newspaper. They're getting together for lunch with old friends to hug and cry.

In Michigan, the local people who live around the stadium in Ann Arbor came out in droves to cheer for practice last night.

The Cayahoga Falls, Ohio h.s. band moms ("Black Tiger Nation") are talking up people to prep food and crowds w/signs to welcome them. Making phone calls to other h.s. bands to be there.

Memories pour into new FB groups in the form of heartfelt words, slideshows, old photos, old videos, video montages.

There's a great Boston Globe article by a band alum w/ videos of the band from 1982 to last night.
http://www.boston.com/ae/specials/culturedesk/2010/09/thank_you_mr_parks_a_remembran.html?p1=Local_Links

I didn't know Mr. Parks, but wow have I learned a lot about him in 24 hours. My college didn't have a football team. I was never in band or played a mobile instrument, but even I want to stand up and march in perfect formation when I hear him talk.

There is good in this world. And good people. Don't forget it.

Comments

[joyeous.livejournal.com]

He inspired so many people and although my nephew is grieving right now, I think in time he will count himself lucky that he was able to at least spend one full year (plus a little more) with such a man. The kids don't really want to play this weekend, they want to just go home and cry and rest, but they know if they don't, that a week, a month, a year from now, they'll be beating themselves up for letting down this man. They're going through with it for him.