I was in the grocery store and heard other shoppers saying it. Not knowing them and in disbelief, I just thought it was a crazy story going around but, of course, found that it was true. It seemed impossible that something so violent would happen in this country at that time to the man in the highest office of the United States. Politics had nothing to do with the reactions of most of my friends, family and acquaintances. We were all devastated. We thought about the First Lady and their little children...
That afternoon, my older son was late coming home from school in the carpool and when he arrived, the mother driving that day explained that they had gone by St. Joseph's Catholic Church and went in for prayers. She hoped I didn't mind. Although we are not Roman Catholics, I was so thankful that this woman of faith immediately responded in a way that was a wonderful example of one way to cope with tragedy. I believe most churches of all denominations and probably temples too had prayers for the Kennedy family and for this country.
Prayer and faith are always important during times of tragedy.When it strikes and we have a family, we are usually very empathetic towards those who are experiencing a loss. I have always believed that there is power in prayer, and that is what helps one get through terribly tough and tragic times.