It has been 2 1/2 weeks since two WDBJ-TV journalists were shot and killed by a former co-worker while broadcasting a live segment for my hometown television station.

Even now, after some time has passed, I can’t help but follow the news from that shooting and see how the community I grew up in is responding to this experience.

On Monday night, anchor Chris Hurst, boyfriend of 24-year-old reporter Alison Parker, one of the two killed journalists, returned to the air after taking some much understood time off.

I was captivated to hear him speak to the viewers.

Wearing a tie Parker gave him for Valentine’s Day, Hurst encouraged his viewers to love, not hate. How easy it would be for him to hold on to bitterness and anger that the love of his life had been killed along with his co-worker Adam Ward by former reporter Vester Lee Flanagan.

Hurst is not making this experience one about gun control or mental illness or even about a man who made a bad choice. Instead, Hurst is taking the higher road and, from what it sounds like, is leaning on a higher power for support.

That is remarkable.

I question whether many others would be able to do that same thing.

Hurst said in the time since the shootings, he has begun healing. He said there have been many tears and questions, but there have also been laughs, smiles and even some answers.

He has been healing with those people Parker loved most and has met new friends from places like Newtown, Connecticut, and Aurora, Colorado, where other tragic shootings took place.

He said he woke up Monday refreshed and determined to honor Parker through action.

“We must profess love not hate, to love one another and to love strangers,” Hurst said. “Alison and Adam projected a love and peace into our world that can never be taken, even if they were taken from us.”

He referenced an adaptation of the serenity prayer that Parker’s mother had shared with him:

“I will always remember to have the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. I have the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to make a difference.”

Though I’m sure Hurst will still have rough days, I was impressed by his example of strength. If only we could all have that mindset — especially when we go through tragedy, heartache or any kind of trials.

 

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. She can be reached by phone at 379-3433 or by email at sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com.