Chris attended the midnight vigil and Nik went to stay at his friends house near our home. I feel so lost and confused. I wanted to be with my kids so badly. We were on the phone almost the whole night. Chris is a mess. His gf was in the building next to Cole hall and he couldn't get her on the phone. She is OK as well. All the kids so far that we know are OK. Many of the kids Chris and Nik grew up with are at this school. Nik's date for last night was in the hall when it happened. Her parents came up to get her last night.

This morning I woke up and the story was on the news and it hit me again. This time it hit harder and I shed a few tears. This could have been my children. Please continue to pray for all the victims and their families. :-(

I just get a sick feeling everytime I hear an update on this tragic event. I know you must be torn between being there for your Mom and being back home for your kids. Life is so tough sometimes - but at least you know they are safe and OK. Please keep us posted. I'm so sorry for all that you're going through, Sandy. You're a strong person - hang in there.

My heart and prayers go out to all the families and the victims of this.

Sandy, I am so glad your boys are ok.

I just heard the fatality count is now at 7. This senseless violence is too horrific to comprehend. I'm so glad to hear that our NT families are safe but sorry for what you've had to go through.

They are holding a press conference now and state that the shooter was a good student at U of I, and that he had been taking meds and had stopped taking it a little while ago.

The weapons, shotgun and 3 handguns were all his. He bought 2 of them from a gun dealer in Champaign. *where he attended school*.
He attended DeKalb in 2007.

It gets sicker by the minute.

Sandy, I'm so glad your boys are ok. Tragedy close up came too close. Tragedy did happened for other parents. My thoughts and tears are with them.

It's so scarey.

The whole thing is very sad - Daisy & Sandy I am so glad that everyone is physically fine that you know. The emotional mess that all these kids are going through and will go through is terrible. The college my daughter goes to held a vigel on Thursday night.

It's sinking in but now Westboro church is coming up to protest the funerals and NIU. What is wrong with people???? I have spoke to all the kids I know there to rise above these WBC members and show the world that love and compassion and respect will stand above all hatred.

Maryann, again I am so sorry for your friends loss.

Here is a pic of Chris from the Chicago Tribune where the students gathered at the midnight vigil Thursday. Chris is on the end with a black and white hat on.

Attachment 2342 Attachment 2343

Thanks for sharing the pic, Sandy. As a Mom, even though you know your boys' are OK, it's probably good for your heart to see a pic.

Please tell your son's that everyone around our area is praying for theirr school, their friends and for the community and surrounding areas to get through this. My knees are getting a work out lately.

It's always been that the area kid's here go to Northern, Western or Univ of Dubuque *where DD went* It's just senseless that these things are happening and more and more frequent.....

Sandy, Dennis and I are praying for your boys and all the students there that they will prevail through this senseless act. They'll find comfort and strength in their faith I know you've lovingly instilled in them