Hi all,
Sorry for the gap in posts... its been a crazy week to say the least. In order to vent, I decided to write a letter to the recently deceased Tyler Clementi. I hope you read these words with an open heart and mind
Dear Tyler Clementi,
I awoke Wednesday morning, brushed my teeth and continued along my day as usual. My personal world was perfectly intact. Little did I know that As of last night, many worlds were being broken.I must convey my sincerest condolences to your family. Regardless of how the media has portrayed you and your family over the last couple days, I earnestly believe that they are grieving.
I regret the fact that I did not have the opportunity to meet you. I would have loved to have met a man that your friends describe as bright, funny and talented. There are thousands of people mourning the loss of a man they never met. It breaks my heart to hear the constant stream of news feeds and interviews and opinions.
Although we have never met, as a freshman, it pains me to look back and realize that even as "strangers" , that we have shared so much. I bet you cheered and laughed at with me at the convocation. I bet you've transverse the hectic weekend buses. I bet you were studying for our first exams. I bet you even went to a football game or two. And maybe. Just maybe. We bumped shoulders on a crowded bus or walking to class.
Tyler, you have become more than just a figure for "gay-rights" or "cyber-bullying". You have become a symbol for kindness. Kindness to "strangers".
Yes. I will wear black to homecoming. Yes I will buy flowers and place them at your memorial.
While the news will eventually forget you and your story, I can promise you that I won't. What happened was devastating and unbelievable. I pray that you have found the peace that you were in search of. I pray that the students and faculty of Rutgers university find the maturity to see past the rumors and maintain the reverick that one is innocent until proven guilty. Finally I pray that both the Ravi and Wei families find a foothold in the broken world around them. Regardless of their guilt or innocence, it is safe to say that their lives will never be the same.
Love Always,
Melissa Horton
Location: SinglePost