To be a Virginian . . .

"To be a Virginian either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union,a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from Above." -Anonymous


Today's tragedy at Virginia Tech has broken hearts all across our nation. As a Virginian, it sears even more. This anonymous quote has been reverberating through my mind all evening.

This quote describes the pride and connection that Virginians share. I have always said that VA was the best state to live in (with, maybe the exception of Charlotte, NC). It is my favorite place to visit, considering my whole family is there. It has the most attractive men. For example, American Idol's Chris Richardson is a Virginian (and from Great Bridge, like my dad's family!) I dream about being in that state almost every night, usually involving my family.

The first time I remember seeing this quote was on a set of post cards my mom had. I am a Virginian by virtue of both of my parents, who were born and raised in the Hampton Roads area (Norfolk/Chesapeake), and by virtue of having lived in Smithfield (the place where they make all the hams) for 5 years. I can remember waking up to go to school in the mornings, and the whole city smelling like breakfast. On the bus, all the way to school, I would smell bacon. It was a delicious city.

The people in Smithfield show true southern hospitality. Everyone is friendly! My memories are golden. I can remember riding my bike around my neighboorhood, and down the hill by the lake. I can remember going to swim team practice with all my friends. I can remember Party on the Pagan- a Friday night ritual, where the whole town would go to the river, party, dance, and listen to bands. I remember going to girl scouts at Ben's Cathedral, and swinging on the swing set, seeing who could get the highest. I remember playing in the woods by the river, and building forts with my best friend Ashley. I can remember getting a double scoop superman flavored ice-cream at my friend's old fashioned ice-cream shoppe on main street, and then going to the craft store to pick out odds and ends for my little projects. I remember driving through the tunnels on the way to my grandparents homes, and seeing if I could hold my breath all the way to get a wish. I remember checking the crab nets on Megan's dock, and wading on the shore of the river. These are the memories that I embrace as a Virginian.

My brother and father STRICTLY support VA college teams. My brother, Josh, is a HUGE VA Tech fan. My cousin, Paul, has a B.S. from VA Tech. These two have been in my thoughts all day.

To know that a tragedy like this has affected my home state is miserable. Every time I think about the parents of the students who were killed, or about the students, or alumni, I can't help but cry. I wonder if anyone I went to elementry school with, or there siblings, are students there, or whether they are injured.

Sometimes all you can do is pray. It works. It hasn't failed me yet this year. I know this isn't the best of my blogs . . . I'm tired and writing on an emotionally draining subject. I'll leave you with this. Tonight, while watching MSNBC, a student was being interviewed on what he saw. Concluding the interview, he told the reporter "God Bless you." The tape cut to a bus driver, who also ended his story with "please pray for this town." Virginians are God's people; keep them in your prayers.