The heros are the ones who lost their own lives, protecting others. Also, the ones who had injuries themselves, yet came forth to help those who could not help themselves. No one really knows how they would react, filled with panic and fear. It's easy to say what you "might" do, but quite another when confronted with the actual horror of such an event. The healing has only begun; I can only imagine what families and friends will be going through. If only such a tragic, heart-heavy event would impact every person on this earth and we could "give peace a chance. But, unfortunately, there are those who thrive on such devastation, loss, and what I might term as 'sick pride'. There are so many injustices in the world that go unnoticed, ignored and unpunished. The sad irony of life is ... it goes on ... even in the shadows of death.
I was sad to hear that the mother (Ashley Moser) of a 6-year-old child (Veronica Moser-Sullivan) is still struggling for her life, drifting in and out of consciousness. As a mother myself, I still don't understand taking a child that young to a movie such as that one. Having said that, I can't express enough empathy and compassion for her and her family. From what I read all this mother asks about, when conscious, is about her daughter.
A close friend of Jonathan Blunk told how he had wanted to re-enlist and become a Navy Seal, wanting to be a first responder on the front line Instead Jonathan became one, but rather on the front line, in a movie theater.
Alexander J. Boik, an 18-year-old who loved life. He and his girlfriend were described as the "perfect couple". She survived.
Gordon Cowden, the oldest victim - proud father, and local businessman - was at the midnight premier with his two teenage children. His teenage children survived, unharmed (physical injuries).
Jessica Ghawi, an example of the irony of life, had recently survived a shooting at a Toronto mall, blogging "how fragile life was" ... still pursuing her dreams, that very statement ending in her own death. How very, very sad.
John Larimer, a Navy sailor based at Buckley Air Force Base, and Air Force Sgt. Jesse Childress, both lost their lives in the wrath of this volatile rampage. Another example of the irony of life. They didn't lose their lives protecting us in battle, but rather being killed by one of those very people they were willing to put their own lives on the line for, even a mad man's freedom to wreak havoc, and kill.
Matt McQuinn, another victim and a hero. Matt lost his life protecting his girlfriend and her older brother. He died from injuries he sustained.
Micayla Medek - her family had to agonize for a full day, before learning of the loss of their loved one. Heart broken, yes, but relieved to finally hear something.
Alex Sullivan - another family who had an agonizing wait to hear about his passing. Alex was there to celebrate his birthday and his first anniversary.
Alexander C. Teves had just earned a master's degree in counseling psychology, with plans of becoming a psychiatrist.
Rebecca Ann Wingo, 32, was a customer relations rep for a mobile medical imaging company.
Want to read more about these victims?
http://news.yahoo.com/look-lives-colorado-shooting-victims-015820264.html?_esi=1