At NIU, a picture of unity, sorrow, forbearance

For some, the year seemed short. For others, an eternity. But prepared or not, Saturday was a time for those at Northern Illinois University to remember last year's shootings.

It was a chance to reflect. A chance to grieve. A chance to celebrate.

A daylong series of events provided platforms for expression.

But what does the outpouring of emotion look like? What does it sound like? How is collective sorrow displayed?

It sounds like the dozens of memorable phrases spoken during tributes. Each sentence designed to make sense of the calamity.

"Five lights dimmed but still shining strong," said Cherilyn Murer of the NIU board of trustees.

"We have met tragedy with forbearance," said NIU president John G. Peters.

It looks like the curious student peering through the windows at Cole Hall. After a quick glance, he walks away shaking his head in anger more than sadness.

It looks like the student with NIU letters painted on his face. His chin is up. His head cocked back in a kind of quiet resolve. The body language of defiance.

It looks like a mom and daughter spontaneously embracing. Closed eyes squeezing out tears.

It sounds like the respectful and absolute silence of a thousand people lining a procession for the victims' families. The only noise is the clang of church bells cutting through the February chill.

It looks like the middle-aged couple, both wearing Huskie alumni shirts. During a piano interlude, she drops her head on his shoulder. His hand clutches hers. Their eyes close at the same time.

It sounds like people of faith uttering words on God's behalf. Believers trying to make spiritual sense of life out of control.

"This was not God's desire or will," said the Rev. Marty Marks. "But God feels our pain. He is a God of compassion, a God of comfort in a broken world."

"We know that we are stronger than those who would try and separate us from our creator," said the Rev. Ana Blechschmidt.

Throughout the day, the dual themes of unity and strength were constant.

"We are thankful that after all of this, we stand today in unity, with a great testimony," said NIU Vice President Eddie Williams. "We are still here."

The phrase "Forward, Together, Forward" is more than a cliché or clever rallying cry for these folks.

The shooter had no idea how his deeds would galvanize a community.