Rest in Peace, Chiharu

[Youkiko]

I love you all. Everyone stay strong, we all care.

[Chiisai-no]

Shiraishi Mayumi

I know this probably isn't the forum for a topic like this, but this is where most of the people who know us are so I felt like I should post this here. Please, feel more than free to move it if you like.

Chiharu is in the hospital. She was admitted at 7am yesterday (Saturday, June 10th, 2004). On the phonecall, the only information they gave her parents, her roommate and I was that she'd been in a car "incident." We didn't find out until about 10am what her actual condition was.

She was shot in the back of the head. At near point blank range.

The bullet went up through her lower brain and is lodged in her upper brain. The swelling's so great that they can't do any surgeries to remove it.. she was showing minimal brain activity when she came in. The doctors say that her chance of survival is minimal, and that even if she does she'll be nothing but a vegetable in all likelihood.

That doesn't stop us all from hoping and praying otherwise. We're more or less hoping for a miracle at this point. She's maintianing her own blood pressure, and I've just gotten news that her oxygen levels are going up.. meaning soon she'll be able to breathe on her own.

We don't know much about what actually happened, but here's what we do know:

She was carjacked. She and a friend named Jonnie went to the grocery store for munchies at about 5:30am.. no one heard from them for about an hour, so they got worried and started driving around. We don't know what happened inbetween, but we know they were shot inside the car. Amanda got one shot in the back of the head and Jonnie got three - one that bounced off his forehead, one that went through his face and took out his left eye, another that lodged in the base of his spine. The car rolled up to a construction zone where police were directing traffic on a freeway in our city, and that's how they were found. Three tires were popped and the front fender was gone. We don't know who did it, where he went, or really any details on what happened.

Jonnie's in critical condition too, but he's responsive and going to pull through. His left eye is more than likely going to have to go, and that bullet lodged in his spine is going to be a problem.. but we know he can move his fingers and toes, so that's good. He's been unconcious almost the entire time so he hasn't been able to say much.

I've been at the hospital a lot. Trying to sleep, trying to eat, trying to keep my hopes up. There have been droves of people coming in and out, giving their love and support, calling, sending me emails.. it's so insanely touching.

She really liked Gaia, despite the constant stupidity. I thought I ought to post to this community and let you all know what's going on. Needless to say, the both of us will be scarce for awhile. I'll try to keep you guys updated with news.

What the ******** is wrong with people. gonk I'm am so very sorry, man. What is her real name so that I can keep her in my prayers. Once again, justice will find its way and get those ********.

[Feather]

Shira, I'm so sorry. I can't believe that people over the net can be affected by shocking real life tragedy such as this. Just remember it's not unheard of for people to survive this sort of injury with their minds and relative health intact. I'm no christian, but I'm praying for all of you. Be strong. Good luck.

[Lunther]

Wow... just... damn. This week's been hell to alot of people that I know but that takes the cake. My saying sorry for what happened won't change anything, but I shall keep a prayer inside to the higher power(s) that Chi will survive, hell even recover as much as possible from what happened.

[Zazi]

Josie Mir

Just keep breathing, Shi. One step at a time. More than anything else, you owe that to yourself, and to her.

Agreed. I think I speak for everyone when I say Thanks, Shira, for bringing this to our attention. I'm sure it wasn't the first thought you had to tell us, so I'm glad you did.

[Godchild]

All the best Shi. I hope she can pull through.

[User-Name]

I've never met this person, nor do I know who she is.

But I pray that she will be ok. I pray she comes through.

[Ban]

There's nothing to say to make it better. I'm not religious enough to offer prayers, nor blind enough to offer platitudes, nor creative enough to be particularly original. So, I'm left with being rather trite with someone else's words.

since feeling is first
who pays any attention
to the syntax of things
will never wholly kiss you;

wholly to be a fool
while Spring is in the world

my blood approves,
and kisses are a better fate
than wisdom
lady i swear by all flowers. Don't cry
-- the best gesture of my brain is less than
your eyelids' flutter which says

we are for each other: then
laugh, leaning back in my arms
for life's not a paragraph

And death i think is no parenthesis

-e. e. cummings

PM me for whatever reason. A friendly voice, or whatever the hell I can do out here in Seattle, and good luck.

[Noraboo]

Nice choice, Ban. I'm fond of cummings. *hugs*

[Josie Mir]

If I may.

A tossed coin can land on its face or on its tail, most people say. But it's not really the whole truth: coins can, and do, land and balance on their edges. I've seen it.

Sometimes the impossible happens.

The atheists, as Zazi said, are praying.

[Ponchita0817]

Not even knowing anyone who was involved, just hearing this makes me sad for what happened and for you guys. Just b/c I don't know you doesn't mean I don't care. I pray for all of you and wish you get the miracle you all so deserve 3nodding .

[guanobaron]

I thought I'd make a small post here to express my shock and sadness about this. I've known Chi and Shira primarily from about December of last year until the present so I consider you guys as part on an extended online family. In fact, I was looking forward to meeting you guys in about a month before things fell through for reasons unrelated to what has just transpired.

I'm not really the type to be offering prayers for people but I will say that you guys will certainly be in my thoughts. I think this is a bit humbling to realize how events out of our control can have such a profound impact on us. It's also extremely fustrating to know that there's nothing you can physically do to change the situation for the better. *sigh*

Shira, you know those of us who know you from Gaia and IRC are here to offer any assistance they can for you. Hang in there and keep us updated as we all care for you both.

[Westonian]

What the hell. I can almost understand carjacking, but why the hell would you shoot someone in the process? It's a jump from five to thirty years in prison, double that for two, and triple it if....well.

Stupid ********. I don't like the death penalty, but it's so tempting sometimes.

[The Perennial]

This is just a shock to me. I have no idea how everyone who knew her must feel, but I feel terrible, and I only knew her for a little bit, during chats on #ed and her posts on gaia. Shira, I hope you get better as well as Chi and Jonni. A loved one hurt this badly is something that can hurt emotionally for a while, but it will be better in time.

I am not an atheist, nor do I have a religion, but I do believe in a higher being; and as such I will send my prayers in regards to Chi and Jonni.

Shira, I know how difficult it can be and you have my support, much like most of your ed/IRC freinds/extended family. We are a brother/sisterhood, and as such I, as your brother am here for you if you just need to talk or perhaps need someone for any other reason.

[The Perennial]

As Ban said, there's nothing that I, nor anyone else can say that can make things better. The best remedy for such things is time and acceptance. Dealing with a severely injured loved one is difficult, and it will take time to heal.

As an old regular of the ED and a constant chatter on the ED IRC channel, I consider each and everyone I know on gaia as a member of my extended family. I am your brother, and as such it is my moral duty to ensure that you feel better about things. You can message me, e-mail me, or anything to contact me.

My prayers go out to you, Chiharu; and for you, as well, Shira.