As a kid growing up in Richmond, I have been a fan of Tech sports for years, had family members attend the school, hang with Hokie friends during football season, and even spent time there during college (although I attended VCU). Everyone who says "it" couldn't have happened there is correct. Tech is 40 miles from the nearest city and located in a beautiful Blue Ridge town. It just couldn't happen there.
Well, as it turns out, we're not immune to violence in the Old Dominion.
I now live in Loudoun County, VA (near Washington, DC). Yes, our area is more cosmopolitan and yes, the shooter was from my area - just five miles away. Tragically, my daughter has experienced the loss of no fewer than three friends to shootings in her high school career - two suicides and a murder. Now we have this to ponder.
Now, before we jump to conclusions, I too experienced violence on friends while growing up in "quiet" Richmond in the 1970's. Nearly half of my starting football team in high school was jailed within a few years after graduation - and we were from the "good" side of town. It must not be all the media's fault or the crazed age of the 2000's
One thing about living 40+ years is you gain perspective and mine is simply, it's not where you're from or what you are, it's about giving your kids real attention. They need genuine nurturing, love, caring guidance and for parents to listen - just listen. Don't try to fix, just listen.
Above all, they need a basis in faith. I encourage everyone to sit down and really get to know their children as people, not just kids that run you nuts (even though you love them dearly). Get them to turn off the cell phones, IPODS, computers and TVs so you can all sit and talk j-- just ten minutes a day. Go for a walk in the woods. Yes, you are the parent and your word is not be trivialized, but kids need it all and you can give it to them, no matter how busy you are.
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