Hi MBarnum!
Last night was a benefit acapella concert for a friend of mine and his mother, who were killed in their home over winter break. Jim and Mrs. Smith were unbelievable people, the kind of people you see in movies, and read about in the papers. Their doors and hearts were always open, everyone called Mrs. Smith "Momma". Jim was a music major with me at JMU, and he participated in one of the acapella groups on campus, Exit 245 (sidenote: check them out! for a college acapella group they're really quite good).
Their daughter/sister Sarah is a music major as well, and graciously hosted last nights event. Sarah has been so strong through this whole ordeal, and amazes me every day with her ability to function at a normal level, let alone come back to school and participate in the same activities she normally would. Jim's favorite song was "Don't Stop Believin", and Exit 245 arranged a version with Sarah singing the solo, intermixed with lyrics from "Let it Be". It was an incredible special and theraputic night for a wounded community. I have had 6 college-aged friends whose mothers have passed on in the past 3 years alone. I wonder if anyone else had to deal with something so unbelievable at this age? What advice can I give? Our group of friends is large and close-knit, and we're all here for each other, but there's only so much we can do.
Sorry to ramble, but it's just on my mind. Anyone with a facebook can look up Jean C. Smith and see the amazing wall posts and messages that people have left for her- her profile is open. This woman was life changing, and the loss of her and her son has changed our lives forever.
