The memorial service for Heather Heyer yesterday was powerful. Her mother was inspiring. Such grace under such horrible circumstances.
The candlelight vigil on the Grounds of UVA last night was also powerful. Such horrible events that were visited upon Charlottesville and UVA by neo-Nazis and white supremacists. I wish all the best to the community and to the incoming and returning students.
https://news.virginia.edu/content/UVa-sends-message-love-and-unity
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I’m amazed at her mom’s composure. There is no way I would ever be able to speak at my child’s memorial service.
A high school friend of mine who recently attended and works on the campus posted some photos of the “lawn” this morning. It was heartwarming to see - especially since those same familiar pics of last night - and ones she had posted of the campus in the last couple of years looked so much more peaceful than the pics we were seeing this weekend. It spooked me to see her beautiful campus in that disarray.
I thought the mom was strident and it was off-putting to me at first, but I just tossed it off and thought perhaps it was “her way” of dealing with her grief which I’m sure is profound. I think the candlelight vigil is a far stronger and more powerful statement than protesting protesters.
I thought the mom was wonderful but I watched live and heard all of her remarks. At some point, she even mentioned that her daughter was a high school graduate. A good example that you don’t need a fancy degree from a fancy college to make an impact on other’s lives. Her daughter seemed well liked, well loved, bright , and willing to stand up for her beliefs. What a loss to her family ,friends, and coworkers. Thank you , Heather , for your sacrifice.
@partyof5 – the mom’s speech has gone viral world wide. I’ve seen international posts about it… mothers praising her strength… wondering how they’d react. I bet she herself didn’t know she could be the way she was… I’m so glad Heather Heyer has become a symbol, and not just another victim of hate… She got a beautiful sendoff. Not being religious, I have no idea if she knows it or not. But I bet it was very comforting to her family.
I was a Methodist growing up but also not religious these days. But I came away with more tears, sense of spirituality in a long time from this. Really hard to explain but I almost felt that Heather was put here for a purpose. How many parents could have been more eloquent and moving in the face of such loss?
I liked the gentle fire in her belly.
Heather Heyer = Viola Gregg Luozzo. God bless them.