Please Take Notice: Letter to Cho

I am sure you have watched the news reports about the tragedy at Virginia Tech. As always, the press has swooped down on a tragic story with more gusto than a pack of hyenas feasting on a water buffalo.

Anyway, I have to tell you, while my heart mourns for all of the people who lost their lives and the families who lost loved ones, my heart really broke today for the man responsible. I know this is not what most people want to hear. I mean, how can we show any mercy or feelings for someone who could commit such a heinous crime. So many hurt, so many dead, such a horrible tragedy.

I thought, how horrible his life must have been for the last few or several years to bring him to this place. How horrible to be living with this terrible illness that was obviously not being monitored. The real tragedy here is that this man fell through the cracks of society and blended into the walls even as he obviously tried so hard to be noticed.

Note to Cho:

Well, Cho, you are not invisible any more. The whole world knows your name, what you look like, who you were. They have read your stories and invaded any privacy you may have had. I am guessing that some of the information has been sensationalized and some not true at all. I am not sure this is the way you really wanted to be noticed, but this is your legacy, such as it is. You have changed the lives of many, not the least of which, your own. For, it is now gone, lost forever. And what about your family? Yes, their lives will never be the same again either. They will never see your eyes, hear you speak, hug you or tell you how much they love you. There were people who cared about you, Cho, did you know that? If you didn't know before, I guess you may never know now. I hope you soon find your peace.

What I am asking anyone reading this today is to please notice someone, anyone. Notice someone today and give him or her a smile. Ask how he or she is. Shake their hand. Say Hello. Just let them know you noticed them walking by or sitting on the bench.

Sometimes that is all we need, just to be noticed. Maybe if people didn't feel invisible they wouldn't feel the need for such an outcry for attention. So please, take notice of someone, besides yourself, today.