My brother Jarrett Lane was one of the 32 victims in the Virginia Tech shooting on April 16th 2007. I tried to not let myself be angry at the shooters parents and everyone that failed to help him. Those close to him not helping him get the resources he needed at a younger age and not listening to his guidance counselor from high school ultimately led him to his actions. It was wasted energy and eventually I realized they were doing what they felt was right and could never have predicted what he would end up doing. They also lost a son and a brother so I let myself let go of that blame and resentment. Letting go brought me peace.

Since then i have learned to just keep letting go. Move forward. Don’t dwell on ill feelings and waste energy festering over blame and hate. It doesn’t change what happened and only kept me from healing.