As I mentioned in my Pray for Arapahoe post, I live only a short car ride away from Columbine High School. Though the tragedy occurred when I still lived in California, and was almost fifteen years ago, I can still feel the mark it left behind. I've visited the memorial a few times, and it is extremely powerful. It's things like this that leave me wondering how thick with emotion the air must be at the 9/11 memorial (I really hope to visit Ground Zero one day).
Well, anyways, the Columbine Massacre was huge, mainly because it was the first huge shooting at a high school in America. It changed the country, and world, forever.
I have also read the book Columbine which is written by acclaimed author Dave Cullen. It discusses all aspects of the shooting, including Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold's downfall. I found it especially intriguing, but Rachel Scott's story is incredibly interesting on a whole new level.
She was a seventeen year old junior at Columbine in the Spring of 1999. She was known for having a big heart, and believed that kindness was like a chain reaction. And isn't it? If someone is incredibly to you, you almost feel the need to be nice to someone else. Rachel had a close relationship with God, and let Him into her life at a young age. She also never wanted to be labeled as average. I find that these days in high school, if you aren't "average" you are made fun of. It is important to fit in if you want to make by in the halls of high school. I, like Rachel, think it is important to be extraordinary, and not to be like everyone else.
The emotion in Rachel's Tears, is so real, because it is written by her parents. They love her immensely, and their story is powerful. It goes to show that love can be unconditional, and that we often take people and things for granted.
Rachel's mother thought nothing as she sent her children off to school, a place where they expect to be safe. It was only when she heard the horrifying news of the events unfolding at Columbine, that reality hit her. Only then did one realize that their child had not come home.
It is just heartbreaking, but also so inspiring to all of us. We need to live our lives as though any moment could be our last.
Also, we can't take things like our own siblings for granted. Craig Scott was 16 at the time, and Rachel's younger brother. He was in the library, where most of the lives were taken. Craig's two friends were killed on either side of him, while he was forced to pretend he was already dead. He escaped death, but his sister was not as lucky.
Rachel had even written in her journal, less than a year before Columbine, that she anticipated that would be the last year of her life. Sadly, she had been correct. That just further convinces me that everything happens for a reason, and nothing is a guarantee.
We should all live life like Rachel. Be happy and appreciate what you have, when you have it. Yes, it's easier said then done, but who knows when your time is up.
Columbine is one, if not the, most popular high school in the entire nation. Though it is for the wrong reason, an unspeakable tragedy, it also left behind a legacy of incredible stories. Either the ones of those gone, like Rachel and Mr. Sanders, or the stories of survivors like Patrick Ireland, and so many others who fueled the pain they had for good.
So wake up each morning with love in your heart and a bright outlook. Smile at strangers and laugh with loved ones. It is encouraged to read Rachel's Tears, because it is a moving journey that has touched my heart. I wish you the best, always.
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| Rachel Scott |
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| A drawing Rachel sketched the morning of the massacre. There are 13 teardrops falling from the eyes- there were 13 victims at Columbine, including herself.
As more information is released on Claire Davis, the 17 year old victim from Arapahoe High School, I'd like to do another post on her this time. I believe their stories are important, and they need to be remembered. They are girls so similar to me, and something about that deeply affects me.
"Tomorrow is not a promise, but a chance." ~Rachel Scott. Until next time xxx.
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