Few people attended Charles Roberts' funeral. Relatives. And the Amish.
They stood apart. In black (as always). Silent (as always). Not crying (trying). Marie Roberts approached. An Amish man — father of one of the killed girls — hugged her. Said nothing. Hugged and let go.
The Fund
Amish created a fund for the Roberts family. For his children. Money came from around the world — people, stunned by the forgiveness, wanted to help. Amish asked that some funds go to the killer's family.
The School
The old school — demolished. Built a new one, different location. Named New Hope. Children walk there through the field, past that place. Nobody speaks of it aloud. Everyone remembers.
Forgiveness isn't forgetting. Forgiveness is choosing not to avenge. Choosing to live on. A decision the Amish made in hours. One the world has discussed for 20 years.