Grace and dignity
Bailey, Colorado is a small, tightly knit town. The people describe themselves as “mountain folk,” and that’s not something I run into in Manhattan.
It’s been over 10 years since I put on my reporter’s hat and went into the field, and I have to say, I’ve missed this tremendously. There is something so gratifying about telling other people’s stories; it is truly an honor to have the job of giving people a voice if they want one.
I’m here to interview the family of Emily Keyes, who lost her life a week ago when a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt and carrying a back pack took her classroom hostage at Platt Canyon High School in Bailey, Colorado.
The people of Bailey ask "Why here? Why take away our county?" Yet because they are such a cohesive, tightly-knit community, they seem emotionally equipped to handle this. They are determined not to let evil win. They are determined to find some meaning in this tragedy.
When Emily was trapped inside that classroom she text messaged her Dad with the words “I love you guys” and that has become the name of a foundation being established by the family in her honor. They hope to use the money to help the families of the five young girls who survived the ordeal. They have decided that from a random act they would ask people to perform random acts of kindness.
How do you even start a conversation with people who have undergone such trauma yet they are embracing you? I only hope that if I was in that situation, that I would have the grace and dignity of these people in Bailey.
This morning I am able to speak with the sheriff, Fred Wegner, a quintessential police officer who, after four hours of negotiating, made the decision to send in law enforcement. It was the hardest decision of his life, a decision that ultimately cost Emily her life. Nobody in the town blames Fred Wegner, but when I meet him I see he is filled with tremendous self doubt and pain. I stand up and feel the need to hug him much like this community has embraced him. It is hard to go back into "reporter mode" because I tear up; I am probably always going to be a mother first. He was the cop, I was the reporter and very slowly we became two people.
I wish I could stay here for weeks. To meet more people. To tell more stories. It’s like the peeling of an onion…I realize it’s good to leave New York and go back into the country. You forget there’s a big world out here. It’s nice to reconnect with this place called America.
Note: Meredith will be back with this story airing Thursday and Friday on "Today." A full report will appear on "Dateline" on Saturday.
Thank you so much for your report. I could tell how hard it was for you today and I want you to know that I cried right along with you. Keep up the good work!
Meredith,
I think a lot of your viewers love the fact that you are a mom first. I personally think you bring a real heart to every story. It's a joy to share my morning with you!
I now live north of Puerto Vallarta MEX but lived in Littleton during the Columbine tragedy. My daughter was in middle school at the time only 5 miles away from Columbine. Together we went to the memorial service and I will never forget the very emotional ceremony and support of the community city wide. These incidents are a reminder of how precious life is and to hug your children, spouses, and friends every day.
I have been a fan of Today for many years. You bring such heart, sincerity, & warmth to the show! The chemistry between you, Matt, Ann & Al is wonderful. I truly enjoy watching you everyday. Thanks! Keep up the good work!
I am certain that is was a extremely difficult interview for you and the family of Emily. You exhibited an sincere interest in what Emily's parents had to say. As for Emily's parents, I admire their strength and how they turned a terrible tragedy into something positive. I will pray for them and I know as she is now with God and the angels and that heaven is better place because of her presence.
I think it's great you're a mother first also. We feel like you relay our feelings to these families that we would never be in contact with. Your compassion and sensitivity is unmatched. You're the best!
I have shed many tears for the tragedy in Bailey. I worked at Platte Canyon High School in 1999 when Columbine happened. I have since moved to another state, but refer to Bailey Colorado as my beloved Bailey. The town does have a spirit about it. One has a feeling of being lucky to just take in the beauty and spirit it posseses when being there. I now work in a very large school district and I can assure you that I will try everything in my power to try to keep our kids safe. I hope that people take notice of the things that we can learn from this tragedy. Also, it is important for us to just love one another. God Bless those grieving in Bailey.
I lost my son last year and have found there is a support grp for parents who lost a child. Go to www,thecompassionatefriends.org We have members in ttheir 20's and 80's cause they'll always be our children.
Anne Frank said, "I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are basically good." I tell my students regularly that they are candles in the hands of God, lights in the universe. The combined grace and kindness of Emily's family and the forgiveness of the Amish families illustrate under tragic circumstances what I believe with all my heart: It is our duty as adults to embrace a goodness of spirit, practice the kindness that this spirit engenders, and teach allour children that, inspite of everything, they and those around them can be good. Thank you for your report, and for the NBC coverage of this goodness of spirit.
Thank you for your time to do this story. I am a teacher not far from Bailey. In the past week, we have had to go to extreme measures to secure our elementary school. I pushed it all to the back of my mind, but as I listened to your report, it made me deal with what is happening. It is so hard to believe sometimes that these things happen to such innocent people who are well loved and who loved many. As I cry for the families pain, I feel encouraged to see how the family helps others to heal from their loss. Thank you!!
Wow, what a wonderful post. I just found your blog and I have added it to my favorites. Your insight on Emily's family is poignant.
I sent an e-mail the day after Emily died to the sheriff you interviewed, telling him not to second-guess himself, that he was not responsible for her death, only the man who pulled the trigger was. I see he didn't listen and still blames himself. I hope he gets help or his guilt will eat him alive. He did what had to be done, what he was trained to do. He was not to blame, just like you told him.
Thank you for a compassionate interview with my big sister and brother-in-law. Emily was my niece and I will miss her beyond measure. Dateline was pre-empted in our home town, so I just saw the video this morning. I really pray that folks take the message of kindness and grace to heart. It's the finest way to honor Emily's life, and all life.
I think you're wrong to write that Sherriff Wegener's decision cost Emily her life. No-one will ever know for sure, but it's easy to surmise that both girls would have been killed if he didn't act. I think his decision was the only chance Emily had, and it did save the other girl's life.
Wegener has earned everyone's admiration with his actions during and words after the event.
Meredith, I was very touched to read your words about Emily. Your heartfelt empathy helps us all.
Thank you for your kindness.
I have an Emily who is 16 and I cannot imagine the pain her parents must feel. God has given them the peace to carry on and create such a great foundation. I loved you on The View and I knew everyone would love you on Today, you my dear are "golden" :-)
I love the human-ness (I love to make up words!) of you. From the first time I saw you, this is what came forward.
My children are grown, and one a teacher. I shutter to think of the pain he would experience if this had happened in his classroom. My pain for the family has me crying as I write. How lovely that she texted her parents and that the community is such a support. My heart goes out to them, to her sweet brother who will carry this pain for the rest of his life.
I feel that Sherriff Wegener had a very tough choice to make and it touches me deeply that Emily's family and the community supports him. I so hope that he can wipe away the guilt that he is expressing because I don't know anyone who would have liked his job at that time. Bravo to him for taking a chance to try and save Emily.
Humanity is all over the place, but we seldom have the gift of seeing it--and certainly on with the way the world is acting.
Thanks for giving me space to express my feelings. I'm a Virgin Blogger! LOL
My cousin and I were speaking about you just yesterday when you were on the show wearing a yellow sweater, black skirt and black boots. We commented on how great you look, how naturally beautiful you are, and the fact that whatever you do seems effortless.
You are really blessed with grace and poise and we look forward to seeing you in our homes each morning.
Meredith, thank you for your report. Reading your blog, I am reminded that you are a wonderful writer. You have penned journalistic prose. Beautiful!
Do you accept suggestions for future articles?
Some things make you cry. This was one. I have gained a great respect for the Keyes, for how they've managed the unmanageable -- the loss of their precious child. Likewise for Sheriff Wegener, for how he handled the crisis. Like others, I think his decision was Emily's best chance. Things just always don't work out to a happy end; they were not to blame.
Never in my worst dreams could I imagine someone so callously using a child; by the grace of God may it never happen again. I prayed for both Emily and the Keyes many times in the past few weeks; I believe both are in loving hands. I also pray that the memory of this wonderful child -- Emily, is our legacy; we should remember her for the rest of our days. So sad, so unfair, so tragic, but befitting our pathetic human existence. Some things are beyond anyone's understanding, but try to understand them, we must!
M...congrats on holding the chair....tho Anne Curry is just as Professional , I think you're doing fine....oh, you both look great in boots,sharp,focused & pro at it...
refreshing to the morning telelvision
of NBC... Keep at it & keep the boots handy.