I'm a white, Jewish man who lives in Pittsburgh. We've never met, and likely never will. Yet, despite this, my heart aches for you this morning with an intensity that borders on numbness.
I'm so, deeply sorry for your loss. These words are all I can offer, and if they affect even a second of comfort, they will be worth writing.
I want you to know that I don't cry often. I'm emotionally closed in that way. But this morning, I sobbed while brushing my teeth. It was unexpected, this emotion.
I guess it's because I looked in the mirror and, in seeing myself, saw a reflection of white America staring back at me, and seeing this made me cry. Not out of guilt. Out of pure sadness for your loss, and for the America that still exists which allowed for such a loss to happen.
I'm so sorry, and I just wanted to tell you publicly, since I know there are so many like me today who feel similarly.
We are all so deeply sorry. We are all hurting for you, in pain for you.
As a father of two young, beautiful girls, I cannot begin to understand the unfathomable loss you've experienced. As a white man in America, I cannot begin to understand the unfathomable injustice you've experienced.
But I understand what pain is. And I understand the power of having that pain be dispersed, ever so slightly, by the loving support and care of a community.
Please consider me a part of your community, a part of those in this world who love you, albeit from afar.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With love,
David