<p>Hi all, I’ve been watching this forum somewhat quietly, as I graduated from that HS (many years ago). I still have friends in the area and this week has been especially hard to hear from afar. The lawyer interviewed is from a great family based in Chardon, and he likely knows a lot more about the situation and the shooter’s family than he can let on publicly. I am so impressed with the way the school and community handled everything from the moments during and after the shooting to the community gatherings and prayer vigils in the hours and days that followed. I know each of us has seen or read various ‘facts’ that are in the news the last few days. With facebook, twitter and the internet it is so easy to assume that what we read or saw in the news is the absolute truth, but sometimes it is not, and I can assure you from what I’m learning from my friends still in Chardon, there is still a lot to learn.</p>
<p>I cringe when I see people jump to conclusions regarding why this happened. On this forum, I just ask that you try to withhold your personal politics and assumptions until the grief is further behind us. I have friends who are grieving due to the loss of sons, and others that are grieving for the loss of the simplicity and a sense of safety. I am reading of beautiful stories on my Chardon High School Class of “xx” facebook page where the community has come together in amazing and beautiful ways. I’m so sad for them and I wish I could be there in person to give hugs and wipe tears.</p>
<p>Thanks for letting me get my thoughts out. I’m surprised that I feel so sad even today, two days later, but the fact that I used to eat in that cafeteria and walk those halls is making the stories my friends have had to endure too close to my heart.</p>