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Most returned today. So more people today. My congregation was going to counter-protest the Westboro crazies, but the university asked that not many people come--so they wouldn't get much attention. So, I and a couple of colleagues attended the Memorial Service in an "overflow room" set up in the church of our denomination in Dekalb. I felt odd about being there tonight. I'm not an alum (ISU '80), and felt the space should go to faculty, staff and students. But a colleague who is an alum asked me to ride along, in case she got upset. So, I did.
The students I talked with yesterday seemed very strong and ready to move forward, but admitted that they might feel differently come Monday. I was really impressed with their maturity and confidence. Still, it's disconcerting to hear 19 year olds talk about friends they lost.
I walked around campus a bit yesterday, and there's a sort of eery feeling, but I think that was mostly because I know it should be a busy place this time of year, and it was just quiet.
My campus ministry colleague and her co-worker intend to keep the campus ministry open 24/7 for at least another week. So, I told her to let me know when she needs a break, and I'll be there.
The real difficult time will be tomorrow, when classes resume, and the struggle between living with the loss and moving on. The university has been really pro-active. There will be grief counselors in the first class meeting of every class. They've brought in administrators from Virginia Tech for advice and support. A parishioner who teaches there went Thursday for training, and found it helpful.
Prayers continue to be needed, though. I saw the Holy Spirit doing surprising things with these young people, I think, but this can't be easy for anyone. Think of them over the next few days!
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