Don't want to intrude...
 

I don't feel comfortable posting in your thread regarding the three Alpha Gam sisters who were so tragically killed in the fire near the Ohio State campus.

I worked in TV news (including in Columbus) for many years, and have been exposed to many sad events -- but I really can't believe how his one has affected me.

I suspect it's because I grew up in Columbus, and as a high school and college student, I frequented parties and bars in the OSU district.

Then, attending Ohio University, as a Delt pledge, one of the first women I dated there was an Alpha Gam pledge.

Although it wasn't there at that time, the present Delta Tau Delta Beta Chapter Shelter is immediately next door to the Alpha Gam house. I'm sure all of my brothers there are stunned, and helping however they can. Memorial Auditorium, where the news conference announcing the tragedy was held is right across the street from both houses. I suspect that some of your sisters will go to Galbreath Chapel, donated by a Beta Chapter Delt alum, to pray and meditate.

The mental pictures of all of the locations involved are vivid.

Being the father of three children from 19 to 25, I simply can't comprehend the blow this is to all of the victims families.

In closing, just let me say that if this has affected me in this manner, I can only imagine how it affects all of you.

You all, along with your lost sisters, are in my thoughts...

With my sincerest sympathy...

DeltAlum
Ohio University

DeltAlum,

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm sure that it will bring comfort to my sisters and to all those affected because it truly brought comfort to me.

DeltAlum,

Thank you very, very much for your kindness.

I had something really long written, but I edited it all out. For some reason, this tragedy has affected me so much that it has caught me off guard. I've cried an awful lot this week.

I feel so sad for the families and my sisters. I am so angry at whoever started the fire. And I feel so helpless, because there's nothing I can do to make it all better, and I HATE that.

Someday soon I hope I can gain a little perpective on it. Right now my feelings are just too raw.

Thank you, DeltAlum. My heart goes out not only to the Zeta Chapter but to the family and friends of the other young people. It has been reasuring to read the positive quotes in the different newspaper articles.

A hs classmate of mine died yesterday. I don't know if I can go to the funeral home tomorrow b/c I might have to go to Cton (to the college). But I know that my AGD sisters will be in my thoughts no matter where I go.

DeltAlum.....your words were truly kind and truly helpful.......thank you for including all Alpha Gams, not just those directly involved, in your thoughts at this time.........

Monica
Theta Iota

Thank you DeltAlum. This has been a really hard thing for me too, i just keep thinking that these women were only 19 and 20- they were just beginning to think and feel, as I am. It seems so sensless and then I am reminded of my freshman year in college. A close friend of mine that was a Sig Ep, only 19 was struck by an oncoming car and killed. It was so horrible, but through the grief and the pain and the tears I formed a bond with people that I will never forget and have made deeper friendships that I hold tight to and will forever. Through the pain I saw his little brother in Sig Ep that he had known for five years tell me not to cry, that God has a greater plan. We are each here for our time and when we have completed what we came here for we are sent to be with him in his kingdom.
Those words are the only comfort I could find four years ago and that is why he is now my Big Brother and we continue to pass on the love and friendship to others.

Just thought you might want to know:

Fire victims remembered at OU memorial service
Friends and family of victims speak about the characteristics of the three sorority sisters

By John May
ATHENS, Ohio - Three Ohio University students were honored over the weekend for their strong character and the impact they had on others' lives.

A memorial service was held Saturday for Erin DeMarco, Andrea Dennis and Christine Wilson at OU's Templeton Blackburn Alumni Auditorium. The three women died in the April 13 fire at 64 E. 17th Ave. in Columbus.

Each of the three women were members of the Zeta chapter of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority at OU. They were remembered by those present at the service as good students, caring women and fun-loving individuals.

Their sorority sisters carried roses as they processed from the house to the auditorium, and held the flowers throughout the service.

Attending the memorial service were friends and family, OU officials and representatives from the national alumni headquarters of Alpha Gamma Delta. Barbara Rich, assistant vice president of student affairs at Ohio State, was also in attendance to show support for the victims and their families.

"Each of the students was a much loved brother, sister, daughter, son, student, and friend. On behalf of the OSU community I extend my deepest condolences," Rich said.

Mike DeMarco, Erin's father, gave a special thanks to the Columbus firefighters. He thanked the OU and OSU communities for the support shown to the fire's victims and their families.

He said he will not only remember Erin as his daughter but also as his best friend.

"She called me once a week to tell me how she was failing and each week it would be a different class," said Mike DeMarco. "To me, this spoke volumes on how important education was to her."

Christine Wilson will be remembered by friends and family for her fashion sense.

"I remember when she dressed in a nice sweater to go sledding. She ended up getting really cold, but she was the best dressed on the hill that day," said Mark King, a close friend of Christine Wilson's family.

"She always laughed at all of my jokes, and she knew in practice how to make people happy," King said.

Andrea Dennis' sorority sisters considered her to be one of the most active and charismatic members of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority house at OU.

"She truly loved her sorority sisters and never criticized them," said Dean Dennis, Andrea's father.

Megan Teague, Jen Lehren and Jillian Gardner, sorority sisters to the victims and survivors of the fire, said Andrea's heart was full of love for her family and friends. They thanked Dennis for her sarcastic comebacks, her smile, and the impact she had on their lives.

Mike DeMarco repeated some of Eddie Pauline's words from Wednesday's memorial service at OSU.

"Memorialize this tragedy by actions. If something doesn't look right or feel right, leave. If a party gets too crowded, leave. And, if you see something illegal going on, then, leave," Mike DeMarco said.

The service concluded with the sorority sisters placing their roses on the stage. Messages written on small pieces of paper about the three women were also placed on the stage. The sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta then sang "Follow Me," a song close to all of their hearts.

"Do not diminish the impact of this event. Take time to express your feelings of the event. Reach out and let others know if you are hurting. Cherish the moments you had with these young people," said Terry Hogan, dean of students at Ohio University

Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers DeltAlum!