Here’s today’s news about part of what happened to the Amish girls in their last moments:
The oldest of the five Amish girls shot dead in a Pennsylvania schoolhouse is said to have stepped forward and asked her killer to “Shoot me first,” in an apparent effort to buy time for her schoolmates.
Rita Rhoads, a midwife who delivered two of the victims, told ABC News’ Law and Justice Unit that she learned of 13-year-old Marian Fisher’s plea from Fisher’s family.
What’s more, Fisher’s younger sister, Barbie, who survived the shooting, allegedly asked the gunman, Charles Carl Roberts IV, to “Shoot me second,” Rhoads said.
“They were amazing,” Rhoads said, “absolutely amazing. There was a tremendous amount of calm and courage in that schoolroom.”
“Marian, the oldest one, did ask to be shot first,” Rhoads said. “The faith of their fathers really was embedded in them. … How many adults are willing to do that? Not many.”
Marian Fisher is being buried today, along with Naomi Rose Ebersole, 7, and sisters Mary Liz Miller, 8, and Lena Miller, 7.
Anna Mae Stoltzfus, 12, is to be buried on Friday.
When I read of such incredible courage and compassion for others - especially in someone so young, I’m even further sickened by such morally bereft low-lifes as Bill Clinton, O.J. Simpson and Ted Kennedy who don’t even have the courage to own up to their despicable behavior - much less be willing to sacrifice themselves for others. A 13-year old Amish girl is more of “a man” than they could ever be.
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October 5th, 2006 at 6:55 pm
I’m not far from the tragedy(3 miles) and visit the Amish community often. I patronize 3 farms for my fresh veggies/eggs, bread,fruits and homemade goodies. The ladies that I have come to know are wonderful to coverse with. It took time for the trust to build up but they are the greatest people I know. I am sickened by this seemingly unstable chain of events. Our whole community is still in shock. It is wonderful to know that a person from a different “world” shows the kind of concern for their situtation and their strong religious belief. We “English” are quite supportive of the Amish people and how they are reacting to this horrible incident. Even, our local elected officials have made provisions to make sure they are not disturbed during one of their darkest days as we see it. They are quite an example to learn by and admire. Too bad some of the national elected officials and sports figures you named are ….a sad excuse to be included in the human being family and could never, ever fill the shoes of those young ladies in a million years.
October 5th, 2006 at 8:49 pm
How sad and beautiful at the same time.
October 5th, 2006 at 9:42 pm
Faith and Courage of An Amish Girl…
Thirteen year old Amish girl asked her murderer to shoot her first.
Oct. 5, 2006 — The oldest of the five Amish girls shot dead in a Pennsylvania schoolhouse is said to have stepped forward and asked her killer to “Shoot me first,” in an …
October 5th, 2006 at 10:16 pm
This is a very moving story.
October 6th, 2006 at 8:10 am
What a remarkable story. Your insight is so true. Those same politians sicken me too.
October 7th, 2006 at 6:45 pm
13-year-old Marian Fisher showed true Courage in a catastrophe situation in which few people are prepared to handle.
Oddly, All the male Amish left the building, not one standing up to the attacker.
Courage was all alone in that schoolhouse facing evil, There was no courage outside.