November 26, 2009

On November 26, 2008, Kia Scherr's life forever changed. She lost her husband, Alan, and daughter, Naomi, when terrorists attacked hotels, cafes, and train stations in Mumbai, India. Alan and Naomi were at the Oberoi Hotel Cafe when they were shot and killed.

They were in India on a spiritual retreat.

A flame remains lit at the Synchronicity Sanctuary, reminding Scherr and others that life is eternal and that Alan and Naomi are ever-present around them.

"It's been a tremendous process, both inner, in terms of having to experience the depths of that grief, and the pain that comes from that," said Kia Scherr.

Kia says she finds peace in the Faber, Va. spiritual community, Synchronicity, where she lived with Alan and Naomi. She also finds comfort in the people she meets every day.

"People just come up and they embrace me. They say 'can I hug you? I'm so sorry for your loss,'" said Scherr.

Master Charles Cannon, the spiritual leader of the Synchronicity community, was on the retreat in India as well. He says family and friends still hold Alan and Naomi close to their hearts.

"We are continuing. They are very much a part of us in spirit, and that's not only comforting to us, but also beautiful," said Master Cannon.

A year after her devastating loss, Scherr is still trying to understand how people could carry out such a heinous crime against humanity.

"[There's] no love there. Must be coming in essence from fear, so love is missing in that case. My natural reaction is just to send love and passion. What suffering must there be in them to carry out an attack like that?" said Scherr.

Kia Scherr and Master Cannon have started an organization in response to the Mumbai attacks, called One Life Alliance. They hope the cause will teach others the power of peace.