I am the father of Valerie Heather Christein, the student killed by the falling tree limb on Sept. 8. You, The Daily Collegian, ran an article about the incident on Sept. 9.

Please thank the students and faculty who have been so thoughtful to my family during this time of devastation. If you run this thank you in the paper, please mention Daniel Rodrigo (graduate-theater) and Mike Kelch (senior-secondary education) for their heroic efforts in trying to save her.

Also, her younger sister wrote the following poem and read it at her funeral. I give you permission to publish it if you believe the Penn State community would like to read it. Thank you.

Every time I look up at the stars each night I'm wondering if Valerie is one that's shining bright.

I know she's up there somewhere looking down on me

Whispering, "Go on with life, that's what I want to see."

When I think about her, the memories deep inside

Make me want to break down 'til all the tears are cried.

Her smile lit up the room each and every day.

I wish that I could understand why God took her away.

But there are questions without answers Now I see that's true.

It's never really thought about 'til you lose someone close to you.

But I will not break down, I will not fall apart.

I know she's always with me deep inside my heart.

It's hard to say goodbye to someone in the end.

Val was my big sister and also my best friend.

Although it wasn't always said, I know how much she cared.

I never will forget all the good times we shared.

As I look above to all the stars I see

I will know an angel is watching over me

And when I go to sleep, I'll kneel down and pray

That God is taking care of her in each and every way.

I wish that she could be here, but in a way I'm glad

Her life was always happy, she's the best sister I had.

The memories will stay with me forever through and through

But life is for the living, there's nothing more to do.

If she's listening now, I'll tell her that it's true

I never really realized the friend I had in you.