Valued commenter Raven shared news tonight that compounds sorrow with sorrow.
I looked in on my sleeping son before writing this. I hate a world in which there is so much beyond my power to keep him safe.
To hear this news on this day is almost too much.
Here’s a piece of music that — for me — comes as close as humanly possible in giving voice to such misery.
To Raven and all those touched by this tragedy, condolences.
To all facing loss on this wretched day: in the language of my tradition, may you be comforted with the mourners of Jerusalem and Zion.
BruceFromOhio
May Gaia bless your lands, your loves, and your lives.
redshirt
Gaia understands.
TaMara (HFG)
Raven, raven, raven, one of my favorite people who I’ve never met…my heart breaks for you and I have no words, except here is a place to find friends, comfort and support.
Major Major Major Major
So sorry to hear that, raven.
I’m off to the vigil in the Castro.
TaMara (HFG)
@Major Major Major Major: I’m with you in spirit. <3
Omnes Omnibus
@Major Major Major Major: Carry my good thoughts with you, if you would.
RedDirtGirl
The horror of it all!
gogol's wife
I’m very sorry, Raven.
qwerty42
So very sorry to hear this, Raven. Wishing you and his family well. So very hard; so much awful news today.
JPL
What a sad situation. When my sons were still living at home, every time they left, I would express my love. One time when the youngest was home from college he left, but quickly returned to ask if I forgot something. Yup I did..
At times like this, it’s important to remember what is important. Hug often folks.
the Conster, la Citoyenne
There are those days like today that are too much to bear imagining so much pain and needless suffering. There is no understanding the incomprehensible. Many blessings to you and everyone affected by gun violence, the cancer in our country.
CaseyL
What a dreadful thing. Raven, my heart goes out to you.
M31
I’m so sorry, raven. There are no words.
That Schutz piece is amazing. He lived through the devastation of the wars of religion in the 17th C, and knew a lot of suffering first hand.
Another incredible anguished composition on the same text:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujBN9FfOKCg
(Attributed both to Josquin and Pierre de la Rue, late 15th C; I think more scholars think de la Rue these days)
Feebog
I keep thinking that at some point we are going to rise up as a nation and demand change in our gun laws. But it never happens. So sorry Raven.
Gaffa
My extreme sympathies, raven.
Not much I can do from over here beyond also raise a toast of Bushmills to you and the beloved departed of the day.
Hungry Joe
Oh, Raven. So sorry. My heart always gives a little leap when I see you’ve posted something, because I know I’m going to say, “Yeah!” Again: So sorry.
Dammit, anyway.
Helen
@RedDirtGirl: hey grrrl. After (or prolly cuzza) this I decided to leave now. Well as soon as I can sell my apt. Really what the hell am I waiting for? Hillary can win without me. And if she can’t? Then I am REALLY leaving.
MomSense
Oh Raven, so much heartache. Sending you hugs. I wish we could offer more comfort today to everyone who is grieving today.
Immanentize
So very sorry Raven. Very very sorry. Just tonight I was thinking while watching my son on his computer (maybe like Tom was when looking at his son) what a precious creature I have living right here with me!! Sometimes I think that I let my son off too easy. That this is a tough world and maybe I shield him too much and indulge him when maybe I should push him more. Frack that. He is a really good kid and every day he is happy is a good day. Let the world.take him later.
schrodinger's cat
{{{{raven}}}} you need purrtherapy
Diana
Thanks for this.
When I’m feeling really down, though, sorrowful music only makes it worse, so instead I tend to listen to JS Bach. He was deeply religious and I always think his serene faith in a benevolent God infused his music. At least it seems to promise to me that all will be well.
dedc79
My go-to song for tough days like this one: One Fine Morning – Bill Callahan
debbie
Jesus, I hate guns and what they do to people.
Hillary Rettig
I’m so sorry, Raven.
Diana
But I think I’ve listened to enough Bach already. This piece of music is beautiful. thank you so much.
The Thin Black Duke
My deepest condolences, Raven.
EZSmirkzz
We should prepare ourselves to reject the onslaught of the elites intent on using this tragedy to justify their respective opinions which narrow our outlook and diminish our humanity.
Let us not deceive ourselves, but let us weep for our countrymen and women, and for our country.
Let us not be deceived by any of the religious, political or other worldly powers with voices that encourage one and all to define themselves, our nation, or our world by those things which we hate, for by defining ourselves thusly, we define ourselves ever downward, ever smaller into deeper and deeper self assured bitterness’s, and in so doing remove our ability to see, and define ourselves by, those things which we love. For it is in defining ourselves by the the things that we love that we become appreciative of the things of beauty that broaden out our lives, that brightens the magnificence of being self aware, and the awe of the creation which we find ourselves of, and in.
If you are defined then by the things that other men and women hate, are you not their slaves? May that never happen!
Omnes Omnibus
@schrodinger’s cat: A cat won’t work for him. What he needs is direct application of cocker spaniel. We all do.
geg6
OMG, raven! Oh that’s heartbreaking! All my love to you and that poor family whose pain I can’t imagine. Two more lives, thrown away because of a gun. My god.
JanieM
So sorry, raven.
So many to grieve for.
divF
I spent most of today on a plane to dc followed by a visit with my brother / SIL. So I have been buffered from much of the horrors of the day.
Raven my condolences to you.
M^4 carry my sorrow to the Castro. I would be at the vigil in Oakland were I there.
NotoriousJRT
Raven, my heartfelt condolences. Just a tragedy.
Reggie Mantle
That is truly awful news. My deepest condolences, raven. To you and to the family.
Mnemosyne
I’ll bring my condolences up from the previous thread — I’m so sorry.
gwangung
Oh, raven, I am so, so sorry. There’s enough sorrow for today, and to pile even more on is a load that would test any of us.
Emma
Dear God, a day of such grief. Mother Mary hold you and yours in her hand, Raven, and may the Holy Spirit bring you peace.
schrodinger's cat
@Omnes Omnibus: Floofy paw can be a puppy’s paw too.
Ruckus
@efgoldman:
Those of you with kids, tell them how you feel today. Those of you still with parents, do the same. You never know what tomorrow brings, good or bad.
cckids
Raven, my heartfelt condolences. I lost my eldest son last November, the pain is continual. I hope time brings some peace to all.
Omnes Omnibus
@schrodinger’s cat: raven doesn’t have cats. He does have a Cocker. Okay?
seaboogie
I love the Balloon Juice community, most especially on days like this. It is where I turn to listen to intelligent and witty discussion of the news and issues of the day, and to experience the compassion and support given to all who share their heavy loads. And to celebrate the good news that we experience in our individual moments too…’tis a very special place, and you all make it what it is. Thank you Cole – and congrats on your Pens! Nice for someone to have something to celebrate today.
Major Major Major Major
Some pictures from the vigil in the Castro.
seaboogie
@Major Major Major Major: I looked at your pics, and what struck me was that each individual there (in solidarity with the others) was experiencing their own story and struggle with feeling “other-ized”, and the extreme vulnerability in the face of anger and hatred – simply for daring to live your truth.
Miss Bianca
Dear Raven, I am so sorry to hear your news. Responded in the other thread, but in case you don’t see it…well…this.
Elizabelle
raven: you’re in our hearts. What a tragedy.
Checked banner headlines; in NYTimes and LATimes, it’s about 50 victims and the worst mass shooting in US history.
On WaPost: ISIS! It’s all about ISIS.
Screw the Post.
ruemara
Well, I missed most of everything since I’ve been editing or twittering all day. My condolences Raven. This has been a horrible 24 hours. May the Good God lend his strength and may the Mother show her grace.
Kathleen
My condolences to you, Raven.
Ben Cisco (onboard the Defiant)
Raven,
I’m sorry for what you’re going through. Please know that you’re among friends here, and that we all wish for healing for you.
Cermet
Just tragic news all around; so very sorry for Raven’s personal loss. Words fail.
Brachiator
I had mainly been away from media, the Internets this weekend. Very sad to hear about raven’s friend. My deepest sympathies. So much terrible news recently. There are not enough words.
satby
@cckids: I’m so sorry to hear that cckids. Condolences are barely adequate when a parent loses a child, but it’s all I have to give. Deepest condolences to you and your family.
satby
Raven, repeating my condolences from the morning thread for you and the daughter in the family. No words are adequate enough.
Big Picture Pathologist
What a horrible, horrific thing to happen. I can’t imagine how devastated everyone must be. Much support and light to you and their other friends and relatives
low-tech cyclist
raven, so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with you.
boatboy_srq
@Raven: [[hug]]
John Cole
Raven- I’m so sorry. I just saw this now because I was occupied last night. If there is anything we can do.