Hi mamas,
I live in Kirkwood, MO. Last night a gunman went into our city hall and killed 2 police officers and three city council members. He also shot the mayor in the head and a reporter in the hand. Our mayor is alive and in critical condition, the reporter is in satisfactory condition. Our small tight knit community has always been considered as "Mayberry" and in the last few years we have suffered many tragedys. Please pray for these individuals, their families and our community.
Big THANKS to everyone for their prayers! This Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008, I am organizing a Donut Sale @ Johnny Mac's Sporting Goods on Watson Road from 10am-3pm for the Backstoppers (http://www.backstoppers.org/) in honor of Officers Biggs and Ballman who gave their lives on Feb. 7, 2007 in the Kirkwood city hall tragedy.
This donut sale will coincide with Johnny Mac's annual vendor show ( http://www.johnnymacs.com/page.htm?PG=Vendor_Show). Whitey Herzog will be signing autographs along with Fredbird and K-SHE 95 will be broadcasting from 12-2pm.
Thanks again for all the kind words- I hope to see you on Saturday!
C., I lived in Kirkwood, and know what a tight knit community it is. My heart goes out to you and your family and all that it affects. As simple a man as this seems, it only takes an instant for our lives to have been changed forever. Kirkwood had endured more than its share of heart ache in the last few years. I hope you have escaped its recent torent.
You've got it. Kirkwood has been hit with an awful lot lately. God bless to all of you. I know it's a scary time.
T.
Hey C.,
I live here in Kirkwood too, and feel exactly as you do. I am praying for our area and all those who either lost life or nearly lost life that night.
The irony for me is that this was the night of my late brothers birthday and he was killed several years ago. It is a day that hurts more and more each year. Now, it has a deeper and sadder connection to my heart.
Take care and feel free to email me back...
M.
The whole community is in my thoughts and prayers. The women that sits next to me at work, her husband works for the City of Kirkwood and is there today trying to help with all the grieving. He was at home last night when this happened recovering from shoulder surgery or otherwise he would have been at the meeting. It is a tragedy for all of us at work today. We are all praying for their families.
S.
Hi C., Our prayers ARE with you. I believe people across the country are also praying for you. I plan on going to the site today, with a note or something, and just pray.
Officer Ballman was an incredible man. He was involved with many youth programs and in his church. He has a young son (5) and a daughter (2). Please pray for his wife and children and this horrible tragedy they are going to have to get through on their own.
You have our prayers and we hope with all of our hearts that the Mayor recovers. I think all of Missouri is grieving this very tragic event. I went to a meeting this morning and several women requested we have a moment of silence for Kirkwood. There is so much sadness and confusion over these events.
My heart just breaks for the families of the police officers and council members. All of them dedicated their lives to service to the Kirkwood community. I pray God will help their families find peace and mercy.
God bless you C.. Stay strong.
H., Saint Louis County
Hi C.!
I heard about this lastnight on the news! My heart goes out to their family and friends! They will definitly be in my thoughts and prayers!!
My prayers are with you and your community. At the moment I live down the road from Kirkwood on Lindbergh Blvd. I have frequented Kirkwood for many years. A devestating tragedy such as this is difficult to grasp. I believe only mental illness can cause a person to do this. God Bless.
M. Mesch
