live in love.

Usually, when I post on this blog, I am very vague and indirect concerning exactly what is going on.  I guess it’s a way for me to express my emotions about whatever’s happening in my life while still being detached.  However, I feel the need to share very directly and sincerely my reactions and condolences surrounding the tragic crash of Continental flight 3407.

I am not a native Buffaloian.  I am originally from Long Island and I’m currently attending the University at Buffalo as a freshman nursing major.  Although I can’t say I love the weather or the scenery up here, the people of Buffalo and Western New York are among the most sincerely kind people I have ever had the privilege of meeting.  Buffalo is a city of fraternity and simple kindness.  Living up here for the past six months has caused my faith in the goodness of people to increase exponentially.  While many communities only unite during times of tragedy, and even then only temporarily, Buffalo is a city that doesn’t just believe in extending a hand to neighbors, but lives by this philosophy everyday.  Although this way of life is truly beautiful and touching to witness, it makes a tragedy such as this one even more difficult to swallow because in this most difficult time for native Buffaloians, they are not reaching out to strangers within their community, but to people that they already consider to be neighbors and friends.  The heart of every Buffalo resident is broken to some degree today.

As much as I have grown to care for this community, I would never call myself a Buffalo resident; I have lived on Long Island for almost my entire life, and that is the place I consider home.  However, having grown up in the shadows of the fallen Twin Towers, I understand the feelings of bewilderment, helplessness, and grief that accompany senseless tragedies such as this one.  My prayers are with the grieving family members, loved ones, and neighbors of the victims of Flight 3407.

It is during times such as these that we realize how small our world is, and how connected we all are.  I hope that all of you who anonymously read this blog keep everyone touched by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.

-Christina.