It is hard to come up with the right words in the aftermath of unspeakable tragedy. Ever since I first heard the news of the shooting in Newtown, CT, I have had the events of that day on a perpetual loop in my head. It is impossible to make sense of the senseless, or to walk around without guilt, remorse, and a general feeling of complete helplessnes.
How does something like this happen?
Ever since the news broke on Friday, I have seen a lot of outspoken Facebook friends popping up in my feed to contribute their thoughts on issues like gun control and the president’s response to the shooting. I don’t fault them for it; it’s normal to feel a sense of outrage after something like this happens. But the fact of the matter remains: these 26 individuals had their lives cut much too short and their families are experiencing unimaginable loss. Nothing else seems to matter but to honor the memory of these very special lives.
- Charlotte Bacon, 2/22/06, female
- Daniel Barden, 9/25/05, male
- Rachel Davino, 7/17/83, female
- Olivia Engel, 7/18/06, female
- Josephine Gay, 12/11/05, female
- Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 04/04/06, female
- Dylan Hockley, 3/8/06, male
- Dawn Hochsprung, 06/28/65, female
- Madeleine F. Hsu, 7/10/06, female
- Catherine V. Hubbard, 6/08/06, female
- Chase Kowalski, 10/31/05, male
- Jesse Lewis, 6/30/06, male
- James Mattioli , 3/22/06, male
- Grace McDonnell, 12/04/05, female
- Anne Marie Murphy, 07/25/60, female
- Emilie Parker, 5/12/06, female
- Jack Pinto, 5/06/06, male
- Noah Pozner, 11/20/06, male
- Caroline Previdi, 9/07/06, female
- Jessica Rekos, 5/10/06, female
- Avielle Richman, 10/17/06, female
- Lauren Rousseau, 6/1982, female (full date of birth not specified)
- Mary Sherlach, 2/11/56, female
- Victoria Soto, 11/04/85, female
- Benjamin Wheeler, 9/12/06, male
- Allison N. Wyatt, 7/03/06, female
Donations can be mailed to Sandy Hook School Support Fund c/o Newtown Savings Bank 39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470. You may also click here to donate online.
There will be a blogger day of silence tomorrow December 18th. If you would like to participate, you may post the following button and that’s it. Please try to not post anything else that day if possible.
Karen Peterson says
I was just listening to a story about one little girl who was the only survivor in her class. I was sobbing as I listened to the account.
Tragedy isn’t a big enough word for this.
trininista says
I am hearing so many ludicrous pronouncements and the policy wars are brewing behind the scenes but you are so right. Twenty six – no, 27 families are hurting tonight and we must keep them in our thoughts. I say 27 because Ryan and Peter Lanza are clearly victims as well. It is just so unbelievably sad.
Krysten says
I have my own thoughts on gun control and all that jazz but really, right now all I can think about is those poor little kids and the adults that tried to protect them. My thoughts go out to them.
Single Mom in the South says
Hadn’t heard about the day of silence, but it’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Newtown.
Gia says
My mind has literally been in chaos since this occurred and my heart has been broken. It was too much to internalize; too unbelievable to be real. I think it is of most importance to honor these victims and other children that are killed senselessly around the world on a daily basis. May they rest in sweet sweet peace.
Mrs. Match says
Exactly-this is the time to honor those sweet lives that were lost. Not to argue with each other about gun control, etc. We need to come together as a country, not be divided.
Alexandra says
Those names, those faces, those lives.
How do we get back on the saddle? After this atrocity?
I don’t know, C.
I’ve had to: Xmas is coming, I have 3 children, but I am so broken.
I cry, several times a day, I want these children back. These precious, wonderful, amazing short lived children back.
Star Traci says
I feel the same way — I want the focus to remain on the 20 precious children taken before their time and the six women who put their bodies in the way of so many more. I want the focus to remain on the many other teachers who kept their kids calm in the face of unbelievable fear when no exit was possible. I want the focus to be on the many other teachers who quickly and with incredible bravery and resolve whisked their children to safety. I want the focus to be on the families who have lost so much and the community that surrounded them.
For me, that is the only thing that makes any sense in the senseless act of violence and horror. There will be a time to debate gun control and guns in schools. There will be a time to debate how poorly we’ve handled mental health in this country, Right now, I believe is the time to rise up for this small community split so irrevocably apart.
I missed the day of silence but I definitely shared in Friday’s moment. Newton remains in my prayers — wish I had seen the post sooner. ((HUGS))