Weep with those who weep...

The tragedy in Newtown, CT, has touched everyone in our nation.  As the news sources flashed images across the screen, our thoughts returned to Littleton, CO, and the Columbine shootings in 1999.  And the many other senseless acts of violence we have known in recent history:  Craighead County, Arkansas (1998), Virginia Tech (2007), Chardon, OH, (2012), and many, many (too many) others. The Amish children in Pennsylvania (2006).  The Jewish school shooting in France (2012).  The knifings at a school in China, just 2 weeks ago.

The question is asked over and over again:  Why?

We may never know the answer to that question.

As a mom, I have known little tastes of their fear.  When our oldest son was 2 years old, and came within a couple feet of being hit by a minivan.  The day my younger son, also at the age of 2, was pulled back from the street by my then-5 yr. old.  The times that same son disappeared from our yard.  And, more recently, the day I received a panicked call from my 16 yr. old, saying I needed to come get him...there was a bomb threat at his school.

When these tragedies strike, there is a common bond formed within us, directed toward complete strangers.  I know no one in Newtown.  But as a mother, I feel their grief in a very real way.  As a nation, we ponder more deeply the gift of our children and loved ones, even as we witness the mourning of parents and friends of those taken from this life so suddenly. 

I have no words, other than to say, "We love you.  We mourn with you.  We pray for you."  And even when the media moves on to other stories, we will still love, mourn, and pray.

These are the names of those who lost their lives on December 14, 2012.  Please friends...pray.

Charlotte Bacon, 6

Daniel Barden, 7

Rachel Davino, 29

Olivia Engel, 6

Josephine Gay, 7

Ana Marquez-Greene, 6

Dylan Hockley, 6

Dawn Hochsprung, 47

Madeleine Hsu, 6

Catherine Hubbard, 6

Chase Kowalski, 7

Jesse Lewis, 6

James Mattioli, 6

Grace McDonnell, 7

Anne Marie Murphy, 52

Emilie Parker, 6

Jack Pinto, 6

Noah Pozner, 6

Caroline Previdi, 6

Jessica Rekos, 6

Avielle Richman, 6

Lauren Rousseau, 30

Mary Sherlach, 56

Victoria Soto,27

Benjamin Wheeler, 6

Allison Wyatt, 6

Source: Connecticut State Police

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.

Amen.