She had learned that to love is to live

You will not watch a better video this year than this one.

Claire Davis is the girl shot point blank in the face by Karl Pierson at Arapahoe High School.

A memorial service was held yesterday for her. This is some of what her wise and loving father had to say:

Claire was full of life and love. She loved to laugh. She laughed with her entire being. She made other people laugh freely and without reserve. She had learned that to love is to live.

She learned that to receive she had to give. Her influence and light is ours to keep, and we will not let death take this from us.

Karl allowed himself to become filled with anger and rage and hatred. Claire tried to shine a light on Karl's darkness. My wife and I forgive Karl Pierson for what he did. Karl is no longer with us, so it is no longer our responsibility to pass judgment.

The last thing that Desiree and I would want is to perpetuate this anger and range and hatred in connection with Claire. Claire would also not want this.

Death has an attitude that all is lost; yet the truth is otherwise. The essence of true forgiveness is to repeatedly choose to love, consciously. To make love more important than hate, despair, or fear. By expressing love, compassion and forgiveness in our daily lives, we will honor Claire and keep our hearts focused there.

Perhaps as a community we can consciously choose to raise the bar of our individual standards, and create a positive and empowering meaning to this and all of our experiences. This is our heartfelt commitment.