The senseless, horrific massacre that occurred on the Virginia Tech campus this morning was shocking and tragic to say the least. My prayers and sympathy go out to the families, friends and acquaintances of the Virginia Tech students and faculty that perished today.

I can never know their pain and loss, especially given the horrific magnitude and circumstances of this situation. I do know what it is to lose a friend in shocking, vaguely similar circumstances. When reading about the first shooting online at the office this morning, I immediately thought of what happen to my friend Jay Severson about 10 years ago.

During my senior year as student at Purdue University, Jay was an RA for a dorm floor and was murdered at the entrance to his room by a student that he had caught with drugs. The student took his own life after a standoff with police however that situation never escalated to anything like today.

I remember every detail of that day and the many days followed like they were yesterday. I remember the shock, pain, disbelief, sadness and the questions. Questions that were eventually answered as to what happened, but others that will never be answered in this life. I’m not a counselor, but I can say from experience to the students, especially those that may have lost someone today to make sure to talk to each other, your parents, to counselors, to ministers and most importantly to God.

I have never once felt anger at the student who took Jay’s life, even though his actions caused such great heartache and loss in Jay’s family and large net of friends, in addition to his own family and friends. All I could do was forgive him and pray for his family. I’ve been asked how in the world I did no feel angry at that student? I can only explain it as God’s grace. As time has gone by I have chosen, through God’s help, to focus on the good times with my friend Jay rather than the circumstances of his death (which I will never forget).

My prayer for the families and friends of the Virginia Tech victims is they will be able to focus on the good times with those they have lost and that God comfort them in this time of grief.

Update: Photos tell the story.

Today Major League Baseball honored Jackie Robinson on the 60th Anniversary of him breaking the color barrier by playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Many players or in some cases, entire teams wore his retired number ‘42′instead of their normal uniforms to honor him.

It cannot be stated enough what an important day that was 60 years ago when Jackie set foot on Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York. Not just for baseball or sports, but for America and the world. I believe Jackie Robinson was one of the most important people of the 20th Century as his bravery, actions and integrity led to the progress this country has made in racial equality. Thank you Jackie for all that you endured and were willing to do for not just baseball but the for world.

Notable Links about Jackie Robinson:

JackieRobinson.com

Jackie Robinson Foundation

Sports Illustrated Article

Wikipedia entry on Jackie Robinson

I was happy to see that today Chicago won the right to be the U.S. bid for the 2016 Olympics! About a year ago, when this process was starting, here in Chicagoland it was not thought to be serious. However as time went by, interest and backing within the area grew. When Chicago became a finalist with L.A. , it became even more interesting as to how realistic the chances were. Clearly they made a great impression on the USOC, as I assumed L.A. would win since they had hosted previous Olympics and had some supporters on the voting board for the bid.

The last cities to host the Summer Olympics in the U.S. were Atlanta: Nice place… but is not a big sports town and is not in the same league as Chicago. L.A.: Smog… horrible transportation system… and again.. not a big sports town. If these places hosted Olympics it in the past, I certainly like Chicago’s chances to outshine them in 2016!

Now comes 2 more years of lobbying the International Olympic Committee before the final choice its made. Anyone who knows Chicago or has lived here are aware that there are no better people to lobby and schmooze people like Daley and his minions. Locals know that the most scrutinized part of this process will be funding and who in Mayor Daley’s machine of cronies will profit from this. I think most people locally will support it as long as they don’t get hit with more taxes to pay for it or scandals that seem to hit everyone Daley knows.

While that seems inevitable, I would personally like to see the Olympics in this area. Chicago is a great sports town and a beautiful city with plans to have many of the Olympic events or near on the lakefront. Even the proposed Olympic village will be on Lake Shore Drive. While this is still yet not a reality, it’s exciting to think how Chicago can hit the world stage to display what a beautiful and fun place Chi-town is especially during the summer.