Would You Have Compassion?

Today was an emotional day. I had an interview for my magazine (Ujima) with a mother who lost her daughter at 15 years old. She was killed by her boyfriend at their high school. I was very nervous about the interview because of the subject.  I haven't ever done an interview with someone who had lost a loved one; not to mention a daughter. The mother talked about love and forgiveness. I felt her love for her daughter and carrying out the forgiveness for the young man that took her daughters life. So the question that came to my mind is what would I do ? Would I have the love and forgiveness in my heart as she does? I think I would be able to reach out to others and assist them as she does, but I just don't know if I could love someone who hurt me and my family. Someone who took away my love one. But in all of this tragedy, she pointed out two people were lost that day. That statement then changed my mind again. Then I thought to myself she's right. He's hurting too. He lost his family as well as his parents lost him. Some may argue they can still see him, touch him, talk to him. But if you have a heart and compassion as this mother does, I can see where her love and forgiveness comes from. She knew a side of this young man before he committed the tragedy so that may play a part too.  This conversation made me think and wonder about my inner soul and if I would have the compassion and love God wants us all to have. I want to believe I would, but my deepest belief is I wouldn't be so kind. But I learned about love and compassion and caring about other people besides my own feelings. It reminded me it's bigger than me.

What would you do?