Andy Downs and Angelia Sheer, on a visit with StoryCorps in Nashville. Photo credit: NPR's StoryCorps

Andy Downs is the son of a pilot who was killed by a hijacker more than the 40 years ago. Angelia Sheer is the daughter of the hijacker, who suffered from mental illness.

Their story is a testament to the power of compassion.

I heard about their story on WUWF this morning on my way to work. It followed the headlines about the 10 people who were killed Thursday by a gunman on the campus of Umpqua Community College in Oregon. Read or listen to the StoryCorps piece here.

The mission of the Studer Community Institute is to improve people’s quality of life. At the heart of that mission is compassion. A community that works together to improve their neighbors’ lives and opportunities is a better place to live.

Andy and Angelia’s story is a compelling reminder of the role that compassion plays in forgiveness and healing. It’s a good message for a day like today.

Thanks to WUWF and NPR for airing this uplifting segment in the aftermath of such tragedy.