Emily's gift: I love U guys.

[madmusic]

From a school tragedy, comes a message of hope. For her parents, the slain Colorado student's final words can be a catalyst for random acts of kindness

BAILEY, COLO. - It is a sad — and almost cruel — twist of fate. 16 years ago, Ellen and John Michael Keyes were happily anticipating the birth of twins, due September 27th, 1990. The babies, who they named Emily and Casey, arrived early. But last week, that September 27th date became significant again—this time all too tragically.

Ellen Keyes, Emily's mother: The irony of the date is pretty painful.

Meredith Vieira, NBC News: September 27th was the day. That’s got to go through your mind. That’s so strange.

Ellen Keyes: It does. And I haven’t been able to connect that loop in my head at all.

This year, September 27th fell on a Wednesday, and for the Keyes family, it was a day that began uneventfully. Just as she had done every morning for years, Ellen took her 16-year-old twins to school.

More: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/15174020 /