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Tragedy In Binghamton, NY – My Tribute To The Families Of The Victims.

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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