Tucson Shootings

[grace10]

I just want to acknowledge here the great sadness I, and I sure, everyone here feels over the loss of lives in Tuscon yesterday. My heart goes out to those who lost their lives, acts of heroism, those recovering, family members, those who observed this, and the unstable condition of Rep. Giffords who is now in a medically-induced coma. Just so senseless.

The real heart breaker is reading the stories of each of the individuals who passed on. The older gentleman who jumped on top of his wife, who had leg injuries and died while saving his wife. The nine-year-old girl who was elected student council president. And, acknowledging all the other losses, just cannot remember the details right now. Just brings me to tears. Of course, so sensitive to anything having to do with loss and I have been following this very closely. One mentally unstable person can wreck such tragedy. My prayers go out to all those recovering, those in heaven, and those families who are grieving and all of you.

I did not realize the depth of my sadness and grief until I wrote this.

[MartyT]

Grace, thank you for putting into words what most of us are feeling in the wake of this senseless act of violence. You and others might appreciate this clip by NPR's Weekend Edition host Scott Simon, who knows Representative Gabrielle Giffords and her family personally: Gabby Giffords: Brave Soul and True Friend

[grace10]

Marty,

Thank you for posting this link. I found it enlightening.

[mfh]

We all know more than ever before what the survivors are going through. The woman saved by her husband is now walking our path. So sad...I posted this on Facebook for folks to see there. Thanks, Marty. Mfh

[MartyT]

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' husband Mark Kelly, a NASA astronaut, issued the following statement on the shooting on Sunday evening. He suggests that people who want to help make a donation to the American Red Cross or a Tucson-based food bank, "two organizations that Gabby has long valued and supported."

On behalf of Gabby and our entire family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Arizona and this great nation for their unbelievable outpouring of support. Gabby was doing what she loved most -- hearing from her constituents -- when this tragedy occurred. Serving Southern Arizonans is her passion, and nothing makes her more proud than representing them in Congress. Like all Americans, we mourn the loss of Judge John M. Roll, Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard and Gabe Zimmerman, a fine man and beloved member of Gabby's team. We must never forget them, and our prayers are with their families. Our hearts go out to everyone injured yesterday; we hope and pray for their quick recovery. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to all of the first responders, medical personnel, law enforcement, and Arizona citizens who acted swiftly on Saturday and continue to assist our community through this tragedy. Many stories of heroism are emerging, and they are a source of strength for us during this difficult time. We are forever grateful.

Many of you have offered help. There is little that we can do but pray for those who are struggling. If you are inspired to make a positive gesture, consider two organizations that Gabby has long valued and supported: Tucson's Community Food Bank and the American Red Cross.

Community Food Bank

3003 S Country Club Rd # 221

Tucson, AZ 85713-4084

(520) 622-0525

American Red Cross, Southern Arizona Chapter

2916 East Broadway Boulevard

Tucson, AZ 85716

(520) 318-6740

[source: The Huffington Post, January 10, 2011]

[DrowningMan]

In situations like this, it is astonishing to see the capability for evil that lies within humanity. It would cause one to lose hope, except that in these situations you always ALSO see the capacity for courage, kindness, and compassion that lies within humanity. I am greatly amazed at the bravery of those who ran toward the barrel of the gun and put an end to the gunman's rampage. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who lost loved ones and with those who must now endure physical recovery from wounds they did not deserve to bear.