Culturally, the black community has always embraced family and church as a source of strength. But technology is a factor in mobility today. You can stay in communication with friends through Palm Pilots and emails.

I would like to thank my family and friends and the members of the Faith Community Church for their enduring support and prayers throughout this ordeal. I particularly want to thank my wife, Robyn, for being so strong and supportive from the beginning.

Marge, there's an empty spot I've always had inside me. I tried to fill it with family, religion, community service, but those were dead ends! I think this chair is the answer.

We scraped back and that was good to see. We are so young and we'll learn from this and from our mistakes.

As soon as she pulled up the picture, I knew it was Sommer. I went into my bedroom and kind of cried and Brittany and Sommer, they both talked to each other until about 2 in the morning on instant messages.

It was just one tremendous explosion. Just, boom! Nothing like you've ever heard. I've been to the fireworks on the Fourth of July. It's like standing right next to the barge (used to set off fireworks displays). It's a major tragedy. I can't believe this.