As Communication majors, we are taught that there is a word or phrase or suggestion for every circumstance. It is our job to know this, to be this. Words are what inform, sadden, give ideas as well as an understanding to circumstance. We stake our jobs and careers on the notion that there is a way to describe and explain everything through words from our mouths or words on a page. However, it has become increasingly apparent that, in the event of what happened at Virginia Tech, there simply are no words.

No words. Imagine. Everywhere, we hear journalists, reporters and news anchors attempting to accurately convey what happened, tell us how it was. They use words like “tragedy,” which seems like a vast understatement. “Chilling,” which seems trite, and “preventable,” which sounds self-righteous.

 It’s easy in times like this to point fingers, call names and blame others. It’s natural and the accusing words give brief comfort to those saying them. The physical being who is to blame took his own life in a cowardly last attempt at what? Fame? What he thought was martyrdom? Or maybe just a sick way of not having to deal with the aftermath of a nation’s pain. Because we all feel it; it’s time like these where we all do come together in this beautiful, necessary way to support one another. The world is cluttered with so much chaos and clutter, noise and all kinds of pollution that make us selfish and boring and involved in our own tiny corner of the world. Then, when something unspeakable happens, a small miracle occurs and we’re able to see outside ourselves. But that selfish part of us still wants an explanation, a way to understand, a word.

So what I’m saying is that sometimes grief or mourning does not come with a word, or a package tied up tight making us feel just a little bit better. We’re not meant to; life’s messy and heartbreaking and sometimes when something truly evil happens it’s impossible to really cope. Or move on. Yet. The best we can do in moments like these are to hold on to each other. Hug the people you love extra tight.  Pray to whatever god you believe in and if you don’t believe in one, just wish into the stars that tomorrow will be just a bit better for the students, friends and families of Virginia Tech.

But mostly? Stop trying to explain it. Just be quiet for a few moments, turn off the TV, put down the newspaper, step away from your computer screen and listen to the 32 silences that now aren’t able to speak for themselves. Just be quiet and grieve with them.