“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.” – Rumi

Death came to my part of the world this week.

I live in Overland Park, Kansas where a hate crime took the lives of three people and changed my part of the world forever.

My younger daughter, Emily, went to school with Reat Underwood, the young man who was killed on Palm Sunday. They sang in the school choir together, performed in this year’s musical, Guys and Dolls together, and along with the other members of the choir, dreamed of performing on larger stages together.

Reat was on his way to a larger stage when he died, which has left Emily and her classmates asking how the stage collapsed so suddenly, and viciously, underneath them.

In a place where bad things never happen, the Blue Valley High School students know differently now. Innocence is lost forever and in its place, fear has found a new stage.

Searching for Answers

There is no good answer to the question of, “Why?” because this wasn’t God’s will. The best we can do is help our children pick up the boards and begin nailing them back together again.

I think we start by giving a shoulder to lean on; by making time to listen; and by reminding our children that while life isn’t fair, it does give us the opportunity to be love when it’s needed the most.

My part of the world needs that love right now. We are buried under the rumble.

Join us by making a pact to choose kindness over hate, patience over intolerance and forgiveness over vengeance. This pact isn’t a cliché-filled approach to life; it’s an approach Emily needs so she can believe in the goodness of love once again.

As we approach Easter, I can’t think of a better time to make this happen so love can take back the spotlight and give Reat center stage one more time.

About Alex Blackwell
Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer. He writes about inspiring things at The BridgeMaker.
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