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This morning, as I drank my morning coffee with my little girl by my side, listening to the news, I sobbed as they read off the names of the twenty children who lost their lives in Friday’s attack on Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Charlotte Bacon, 6- Daniel Barden, 7
- Olivia Engel, 6
- Josephine Gay, 7
- Ana M Marquez-Greene, 6
- Dylan Hockley, 6
- Madeline F. Hsu, 6
- Catherine V. Hubbard, 6
- Chase Kowalski, 7
- Jesse Lewis, 6
- James Mattioli, 6
- Grace McDonnell, 7
- Emilie Parker, 6
- Jack Pinto, 6
- Noah Pozner, 6
- Caroline Previdi, 6
- Jessica Rekos, 6
- Avielle Richman, 6
- Benjamin Wheeler, 6
- Allison N Wyatt, 6
I’ve been trying not to let myself get too engrossed in the news related to this event, because I know that fixating on the tragedy will leave me in a depression I won’t be able to break away from for weeks, just as happened after the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, but like other moms I know, I can’t stop thinking about these children, the school staff, and their families.
As Sarahlynne wrote, this shooting (and all school shootings) hits too close to home. As educators, we know how great our responsibility to our students really is if something goes terribly wrong: an intruder in the building, a fire, a bomb scare, even a student’s allergic reaction. But I haven’t worked in a school since I became a mother, and in that time, I have grown so much wiser, as all parents do. These students in our classrooms are someone’s babies. This recognition is what, I believe, brought our president to tears as he discussed this horrific event in Friday’s press conference. These aren’t faceless victims; they were the love of their families’ lives. [photo credit]
While our country grapples with how to address this shooting, emotionally as well as politically, we at merelymothers wanted to take just one more day to mourn the senseless and devastatingly tragic loss of life that too many families in Newtown, Connecticut, must live with forever.
I’ve seen so many beautiful Facebook posts, tweets, and other tributes online that I wish I could bottle up and send to the families that have lost a loved one, and the community at large. And I guess I’m hoping that we can do that in our little corner of the blogging world, by asking you, the reader, to leave a comment below, expressing your condolences, your thoughts, or your sadness over this tragedy.
We’d like to take all your messages and transfer each one to a beautiful snowflake that will help adorn the new school that the students of Sandy Hook Elementary will attend. The national and Connecticut PTA would like to “welcome students to a winter wonderland,” with snowflakes donated from around the country, and we want to help!
Please consider leaving a message to the families or surviving students below!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
As word of the attack on Sandy Hook Elementary spread, parents all around the country felt a knot in their stomachs, one that still hasn’t gone away. We waited around our TVs and radios for word of survivors and of how this could have happened. We all counted our blessings, but really, any one of us could have been the victim of such thoughtless and seemingly random violence. And for this reason, our hearts are with you! We hope you know just how many prayers have been uttered in memory of all those who lost their lives, and that your loved ones will never, ever be forgotten.
To The Families of The Sandy Hook Victims,
My heart aches for the Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers, Grandparents and Friends who lost your little Angels! As well as families whom lost a Mother, Sister, Wife or any loved one in this sensless tragedy, I am sending you all my love and support!
Out of this sadness there have been stories of the heroic faculty at Sandy Hook. They have touched my heart deeply as a mother and an educator. They have served as a reminder of how beautiful the human spirit is. The women that did everything in their power to spare others lives, even though it would cost their own. The teachers who hid their students and those who made sure they would know they were loved in these horrifying moments! I am praying for your broken hearts!! Your children will not be forgotten! They remind us this world needs much more love! My Daughter and I will keep you in our hearts and pray for you everyday! Love, Jacqueline L’Heureux
No words can soften the blow, nothing can heal the broken hearts- but know you are NOT alone. We are all grieving with you and you are being lifted up in prayer by millions around the world. May God’s strength and tender love hold you up as you learn to walk through this world again. God bless you, We love you.
Know that we all stand beside you, think of you, pray for you, and have the utmost respect for the heroes in your town. Everything I could write seems trite, in the wake of such a senseless tragedy. All we can do is wrap you in the support and love from your fellow citizens, so you know that you have our deepest sympathies.
My thoughts, prayers and hugs are with each of you as you make your way through each coming day. It is my hope with these few words that you know and feel support and sympathy from a fellow mother.
Although no words can heal your pain, may you just know how loved you all are. May God grant you strength, comfort, and mercy during this tragic time, and may you somehow find peace again. My prayer for each of you is hope. We send love, support and prayers from my family in CA.
Hoping that by sharing this note you take a small comfort that so many people is this world share your grief and wish we could take away your pain. So very sorry that you all have to go through this. With love, deep sympathy and warm thoughts for your loved ones.
You are in the prayers, thoughts, holiday wishes and dreams, as well as the hearts of people all over this country. There is nothing we can say to make any of the hurt go away, but please know and remember, that the world is also full of wonderful people, and that there is more kindness than evil out there. That is probably hard to believe that right now, but the good people in the world will not forget about you and your friends. We are wishing you all of love and support and strength possible during this sad and confusing time! Love and peace from South Carolina.
Dear Sandy Hook Elementary School Community,
The world is amazed by the courage, grace, and dignity you have shown in the face of unfathomable grief and tragedy. Please know that we all grieve with you. I pray the outpouring of support from every corner of the globe in some small way helps to ease your burden. May the legacy of your heroic educators and little angels be that we all love a little more, hug a little longer, forgive a bit more readily, and recognize and appreciate the precious gifts of each day and each other.
From a mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend you haven’t met, Maureen. Peace.
Sending our thoughts and prayers from Wisconsin!
i have just put my 3 year old little boy to sleep on christmas. now i am lighting a candle and having a moment of tears and peace for all the victoms of sandy hook, my love and peace is with you.