I used to live in the area near this tragedy. Although I did not have alot of personal contact with the Amish, their close counterparts of Menonite and Brethren in Christ were often part of my circle of interaction.

I was also brought up in the belief of forgiveness. I believe in it's truth and the power that it has. The one thing that we have to grapple with is - dealing with our honest feelings - anger, hurt, disappointment, etc - just not holding on to them forever. Forgiveness does NOT mean we just "take it" - it does not mean you have to continue in a hurtful relationship if it cannot change - it DOES mean that you release yourself from the power the other person has over you - the power to continue to inflict pain from the hurtful action or words.

When we hold unforgiveness, it does not hurt the other person - it hurts us.

I realize it is often easier to say than do, especially depending on our basic temperments. But is an art that is worth cultivating - for our own sakes.