Handmade Sympathy Card

Creative Commons License photo credit: Zeitgeist

The small town of Binghamton, New York is a very ethnically diverse community.  My family and I were also part of it for several years, thus it is very near and dear to my heart.  An unbelievable tragedy struck that community on Friday, April 3, 2009, when a deranged individual, a total coward, brutally took the life of 13 innocent, freedom loving people, at the American Civic Association.

One of the victims, Maria (Mima) Koropey Zobniw,  a part time case worker at the American Civic Association, was a dear friend of mine, and of my family.  She was a gentle and loving person, with an ever present smile, kind heart, great listening and understanding skills, and readiness to assist in every possible way.  She was an intelligent woman, who was very active in the Binghamton community, and especially the Ukrainian community throughout the US.  She touched the lives and hearts of many people, and will be missed immensely by all who knew her.

Here is my humble tribute, a poem by an unknown author, in memory of my dear friend Maria (Mima) Zobniw,  to her family and friends, and the families of the other 12 victims:

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamonds glint on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night

I am still near
I am with you everyday
I did not leave you, I will always stay
I live within your heart and soul
Only my body paid death’s toll

My spirit lives and I am free
Look hard for me, and you will see
Do not cry, I feel no pain
When in need, just call my name

Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there
I did not die


If you are interested in additional news releases pertaining to this tragic event,  you may check the following links:

msnbc
Syracuse.com
Obituary
Pressconnects.com

Videos of a Prayer Ceremony (thanks Essential Dissent)

Video 1

Video 2

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10 Responses

  1. Essential Dissent

    April 13th, 2009 at 8:13 am

    1

    Video of the memorial service: http://essentialdissent.blogspot.com/2009/04/memorial-service-for-victims-of.html

  2. Sylvia

    April 13th, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    2

    My deepest sympathy for everyone that lost a friend or family member in Binghamton , NY. My prayers are with you

  3. Suburban Grandma

    April 13th, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    3

    Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, time and effort, and for sharing this wonderful video. God Bless You!

  4. Suburban Grandma

    April 13th, 2009 at 8:57 pm

    4

    Sylvia, on behalf of one and all, I thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. Let’s pray so that the good in this world will concur the evil, and bring peace and love to everyone.

  5. Lori

    April 13th, 2009 at 9:15 pm

    5

    I am so sorry for the loss that you, your friends and the community have incurred. What a beautiful tribute.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  6. Suburban Grandma

    April 14th, 2009 at 5:14 am

    6

    Lori, thank you so much for your prayers. Those poor children left behind without a mother, father, or both parents….
    Such a small community, yet such a tremendous tragedy and loss.

  7. Diana

    April 16th, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    7

    Im sorry you lost your friend. It was such a sad thing that happened. My work has another plant location in Binghamton. What a nice tribute to them. God bless you and your family as well as her and her family.

  8. Suburban Grandma

    April 16th, 2009 at 9:33 pm

    8

    Thank you Diana for your thoughts.
    If you ever travel to Binghamton, you will notice that for a small town there are lots of churches everywhere.

  9. Suzy

    April 20th, 2009 at 10:02 pm

    9

    Sorry for the loss of your friend and those in her community. Such a tragedy. What a wonderful tribute.
    Thoughts and prayers are with them,
    Suzy

  10. Suburban Grandma

    April 21st, 2009 at 5:11 am

    10

    Suzy, thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers.
    During times like these we realize how fragile, vulnerable, and precious life is, which inspires us to cherish every moment we spent with our family and friends.


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