There are no words for what happened today. My heart and entire being is beyond sad for the tragedy that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School. My tears have not stopped for the innocent souls – the beautiful children that walked into school this morning probably talking about their Elf on the Shelf, what Santa was going to bring, what they might have gotten for Hanukkah. For them the world was still full of magic. Today that was taken away from them.
My heart goes out to the families, the community, and the world. I cannot fathom such a tragedy. As a child and family therapist who works with children on many difficult life issues – today’s acts are beyond comprehension.
To the parents and families who got the call and ran to their babies, mothers, husbands, wives, fathers, and friends– my heart goes out to you. To the families who have received the heart-wrenching news – who could not find their babies and family – because they were not there – my heart goes out to you. I know, as someone who lost a mother early in life, those words I just wrote are not nearly enough. Will never be enough. I’m sorry. To the souls who are still fighting to live – I believe in miracles and I believe in you. The world is praying for your healing.
The time is now. Not tomorrow, not in the New Year, but today – this very second – to do what Gandhi said and “Be the change.” To every parent, child, grandparent, every human soul – use your voice, stand up for what you believe in, know that the smallest acts can be the biggest. The world needs healing and every one of you has the ability to help heal.
Hate plus hate does not equal love. With such a senseless, horrific act that happened today, this is difficult to embrace. Start by embracing the Newtown Community. Then together, let’s embrace the world. You make a difference.