Simple advice for a better life.

Does Time Heal Wounds?

Photo credit ZeitgeistIt has been a year ago today, since that extremely tragic and sad day for myself and numerous others, whose lives and dreams were shattered by the brutal action of one deranged human being, who took the lives of many innocent people, in a small, quiet town of Binghamton, New York.

A whole year has gone by,  but does time really heal wounds in this length of time, or ever?

There is no single answer to such a complex question, because it depends on how each individual deals with difficult and tragic situations.

I know when I lost my mom, and even though it was not a result of a tragedy of this magnitude, but none the less, it was a sudden and unexpected loss, and one year was not nearly enough to heal my broken heart.

I found my solace in prayer, numerous pictures of all the good times we had together, and my faith that there is more to look forward to, than one finds in this lifetime.

My sincere sympathy and prayers go out to the many families and friends, who are gathering today to remember their loved ones who were taken away from them on that day of April 3, 2009.

I lost a very dear friend that day, Maria (Mima) Zobniw, so today I am extending my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to her family, and Eternal Memory (Vichanya Pamyiat) for her Soul.

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