18 June 2015

Heartbreak in Charleston


 
I've been in Canada visiting my father and family and learned of this unbelievable tragedy in Charleston on twitter. My heart is broken for my city and for the families and friends of the nine church members who had their lives taken last night during their prayer service.

I paid for my $5 ear buds on the flight home to listen to the news updates all the way home. We were surrounded on the trip by members of the national media and the overhead bins filled with video cameras.

This video is of the pastor who was murdered last night. He is explaining the important history of the Emanuel AME Church. What a lovely gentleman. What a terrible loss. It's difficult to think of anything else right now.

16 comments:

William Kendall said...

I saw the news this morning. Horrifying.

Charlestonjoan said...

It really is. I think we all know someone connected to the victims. My children went to the elementary school across from the church.

William Kendall said...

Listening to him speak, such eloquence, as you put it, a lovely gentleman. The church itself looks beautiful. Desecrated by a small, evil excuse for a human being.

Jack said...

It was a horrible, brutal, senseless event. Charleston and the country lost some fine people. I am so sorry.

Pixel Peeper said...

It is so heartbreaking to think of the loss the family members and friends, the members of the church, acquaintances, and the citizens of Charleston have experienced.

Virginia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Should Fish More said...

We will all mourn for the victims, and shake our head at the act. Just as we did for Sandy Hook, and countless other killings of the like. Nothing will happen to make sure it doesn't happen again, and the gun store ad in the paper that partially obscured the headline speaks volumes as to why nothing will happen. We'll just wait for the next one.

Catalyst said...

Terrible tragedy. Joan, my heart breaks for you and your fellow Charlestonians.

Virginia said...

It's a horrible tragedy for Charleston but also for our country. Hatred and bigotry exists all around us. Until we get a grip on the gun laws in this country it will continue to happen over and over. It's a national disgrace. My prayers are with the friends and families of those precious souls who were killed because of the color of their skin.

Les said...

My heart has been in Charleston more than normal.

Charlestonjoan said...

Les, it was hard not to be here when I heard the news. Nothing I can do here but it felt like family was in trouble and I should rush home.

Charlestonjoan said...

It is. You would have hoped racism was dying out. It is heartbreaking to see such hatred in one so young.

Charlestonjoan said...

Thanks Catalyst. Everything seems on hold and unimportant in relation to this at the moment.

Charlestonjoan said...

Thanks Jack. It all still feels unbelievable. I am glad they caught the shooter. Everyone in Charleston feels very grateful to the lady in North Carolina who spotted his car and notified the police.

Charlestonjoan said...

All of their faces feel familiar to me. I don't know any of them personally but the more you read of their stories the more you know what wonderful human beings they all were.

Charlestonjoan said...

True. It seems like the shooting of the month. Heartbreaking. Something has to change.