Memorial image created by KUSA 9 News, Denver, Colorado. Click image to enlarge, click back arrow to return to story.

Just a day shy of a week ago, the image above was not necessary. Oh how I wish it wasn’t today. I wish the world was not familiar with the violence that occurred in a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, just a short drive from my front door. Sometimes I also wish I could turn away from the news.

But then I hear or see or read a story of heroism. Of a life lived with the best intent. Stories of how a community has come together. Stories of how others are reacting, how groups and individuals are rallying to put together fundraisers, memorials, tributes.

Like The Harmony Project of Columbus, Ohio. I have two good high school friends who sing in this choir and I learned of a special effort they quickly put together as a way to honor, comfort and raise funds for the families of all those lost or recovering from the tragic event, nearly 2,000 miles from their home town. A merging of love between my home state of Ohio and my now home state of Colorado.

Please listen to the song, “How We Love,” watch the tribute they offer to the twelve people who lost their lives in Aurora and their message of hope to all others. If it moves you as it has me, a simple dollar will allow you to download it and contribute toward the recovery of the many who need it most right now.

All proceeds will go to Giving First. You can also directly contribute to Giving First any amount you can spare to offset the financial devastation part of this story.

I feel we honor those gone and who remain, those who helped and continue to help by watching, reading and writing the stories of hope, remembrance and triumph over evil. Ironic as Batman has become famous for the same message. Those stories, these people, deserve our time and attention. I wrote this last week, while the news was  unfolding. I have joined many as we have cried much. My focus has been scattered but thankfully I have also been reminded of all the good in this world.

Christian Bale, the actor who currently portrays Batman, somewhat secretly came to Colorado yesterday with his wife to pay their respects at the makeshift memorial to those fallen.  They also shared time with those still recovering in the hospital and with the people in charge of their care. Proving that even without the comic book cape and mask now made more famous by Hollywood, he is a crusader.

My friend David Lyon, whom I came to know as a talented violinist for the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra when I served on the board of directors, showed me a different side of his creative talent and heart when he shared the image he created of Batman mourning with Colorado and the world.

 Click image to enlarge, click back arrow to return to story.

We grieve. We help. We prove that good triumphs over evil. In comic books, movies and real life. Take that! Evil, nameless, cowardly Joker!