What I'll Remember

While listening to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody", something occurred to me. 

Stick with me for a moment.

The line, where the main character says, after confessing to killing a man, "Life had just begun, but now I've gone and thrown it all away."

Dylann Roof, the 21 year old suspected, confessed shooter, reminds me of that man.  I wonder how bad his life was that it mattered so little, that he needed to try to make a name for himself out of hate.

He has been reported to have said as his reason, "you rape our women and have taken over our country."

Who does he shoot?

He shot 6 women and 3 men; two of the men were preachers.  Two of the women were also pastors.   The youngest and first victim, Tywanza Sanders, was a man who threw himself in the way,  trying to protect others.  He was only 26 years old, but still he knew such love, that he was willing, without a thought, to sacrifice himself.

The forgiveness conveyed by the families.  One can only give that forgiveness if one knows and has deep love in their life.

The removal of the Confederate Flag.  The willingness to take a step to understand deeper and to acknowledge all of South Carolinians.

That comes from hope for a better tomorrow.

Dylann Roof's life for all intent purposes is over.   He threw it all away.

For the victims families and loved ones, they will remember the victims with fond memories and love.  With forgiveness, and strength of character, they have demonstrated the highest love.

That's what I'll remember.