One Light Still Shines: My Life Beyond The Shadow Of The Amish Schoolhouse Shooting (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
On October 2, 2006, Charlie Roberts walked into a small country Amish schoolhouse, sent away the teacher and boys, and then proceeded to systematically tie up and shoot the remaining girls. The story made world-wide headlines. At the same time, Marie Roberts, Charlie's wife was left with the emotional nightmare. Marie's book is a testament to the power of prayer, and God's blessings to the faithful. Immediately following the shooting, the Amish respond with overwhelming love by granting forgiveness to Charlie's family. It is through the support of those people who have lost the most, her family, and God's gift of strength that Marie is able to heal and tell her story.I would recommend this book to everyone. I do remember the intense media coverage, though I didn't really keep up with it. I actually got this book from the library not because of any interest in the "real story" behind the tragedy, but to find out how someone overcomes senseless violence created by a loved one. I shouldn't have been surprised that Marie's complete and unwavering immersion into God is what turned things around for her and her kids. She is one faith-filled woman. As another reviewer mentioned, she did have other resources around her that not everyone who goes through a bad situation has...she had an intensely close-knit and perfect-sounding family who embraced and protected her...lots of faith-based groups/church folks who showered her with love, gifts, presents, money...benefactors who donated entire trips (Paris, a cruise, trip to Disney!), and strangers who sent them stuff...and remarkable Amish neighbors who were able to not let their grief affect their compassion.Marie has really got it together, and I give her a lot of credit for handing things as well as she did. She seems to be a great parent and loving daughter, with a genuine ability to "process" things in the best possible way. An extraordinary woman, in a lot of ways. She always seemed to know the right thing to say, in the most well-thought-out way (though there was an accomplished co-writer for this book, so maybe it was polished up a bit).I did find it a bit creepy that she would even be thinking and praying about the possibility (or not) of a future man in her/her kids' lives, weeks after the shooting...and fall intensely in love a few months later, even pouting because she hadn't gotten that ring on her finger less than 6 months later). Dunno, but that's waayy fast. She does provide a list of things that people said when cautioning her about that - which was funny because it was what I was thinking. But she does explain it in a way that you can understand how it happened so fast. Sort of. SPOILER ALERT: Her kindly and beloved Dad dies at the end of the book, and it's a bit rushed through. Seeing how much she loved him, you would think it would deserve more type than the story about the dog dying. And I wish she'd said something about the girls that survived. How are they doing? She briefly mentions a hospital visit to one of the girls who had extensive brain and trauma injuries, but doesn't really talk about the little girl.Ok, maybe I am nit-picking. The fact is, though this book is heavy on the religion, it does a good job in showing how one can plow through adversity and get to that shining light. It doesn't minimize the tragedy - and it truly was. Her (first) husband was a secret monster, I guess; even though Marie apparently doesn't feel that way - she thought he made some "very bad choices" and was overcome with things. She does do an excellent job with her kids, reminding them about good memories of him - apparently he was a good Dad and husband. I personally think she lets her husband off the hook, but her religion has guided her on this, too, so who am I - or anyone - to tell her otherwise?I wish Marie & family much happiness.
What do You think about One Light Still Shines: My Life Beyond The Shadow Of The Amish Schoolhouse Shooting (2013)?
A strong testament to the love of Jesus and the grace of God amid tragedy.
—Nick9001
