I spent seven years in Blacksburg, and I well recall the week after graduation. It was always very quiet, and everything felt empty. Like a home late at night after friends have left. Now that most of my friends in Blacksburg are graduates too, either working for the university, or for one of the many companies nearby, that sort of empitness isn't quiet as pervasive. But it is still there.
We all heal, and the healing continues at Virginia Tech. Everywhere you look you see signs of it. The messages on church bulletin boards seeking God's blessing for Hokies still stand. Ribbons are tied about trees. Flags still stand at half mast. Bright faces grow solemn from time to time without explanation, nor is one needed. It is a shared pain, no matter how far or how removed they were from the victims or the events.
But we heal. I can speak of being a Hokie without feeling the tightness in my chest that plagued me for weeks. When those in this area learn where I went to school, I can see in their eyes that they are thinking about what happened, but are too afraid of mentioning it lest it bring unpleasant thoughts to mind. I understand, and I do not blame them. I am grateful for that light in their eyes that knows.
The media no longer latches onto this story. That is good. It was proper for them to cover the event, and to cover graduation, as it will be proper for them to follow Gov. Kaine's commission to review what happened. And they will also follow what Virginia Tech does with Norris Hall, and how it moves forward. But it is no longer a day to day thing, and it never will be again.
When I was in Blacksburg, on every university building there were signs kindly asking the media to stay out of the buildings. Numbers were provided that the media could contact. I was not there when things were very bad, but I could feel it in every sign I saw.
I miss Blacksburg, and I miss Virginia Tech. I love my friends there, and I love that town. I can remember the roads I drove while I was there, those I drove everyday, and those I drove but rarely. I remember walking to and from campus, and all across it. I remember so many memories from those wonderful seven years in Blacksburg. I will cherish them always.
It's been one month since Blacksburg has been thrust into Hell. The pain will always be there waiting to come forward, but with time it will lose its power. Hokies will prevail, against all men of hate, and all fools who would enable them. Those who would condemn the victims will never be welcome in our hometown. Those who would heap scorn upon the bereaved will find no tears when they need them.
But we Hokies, we will always be strong, and we will always remember those who were with us in this our most wretched hour.
It has been one month now. I will light a candle and say a prayer. Thank you, Virginia Tech.
Matusleo
Ut Prosim