Over the past several days we have all struggled to understand what happened at Sandy Hook. No matter how much time passes, there will be little anyone can say to bring solace to the families who were impacted by this tragedy. Little angels, brave teachers and heroic aides were taken away in such a grotesque manner, causing heartache, tears and confusion. No one can or ever will understand how an individual could look at another individual let alone innocent children and inflict eternal pain.
As more details of each of the victims are released, I can’t help but think of the children that I used to watch when I babysat or worked in a day care. I can’t imagine the strength that it took for each of the teachers to endure such an unthinkable day; I can’t imagine being strong enough myself to tell each child that it would be ok when it wasn’t; I can’t imagine those innocent children being taken away from me so abruptly.
I can’t stop thinking of the little boy who told his teacher that he knew karate so he’d lead the way; I can’t stop thinking of the teacher who told her students that there are bad guys out there now and they had to be really quiet while they waited for the good guys to get there; but mostly, I can’t stop thinking of the strength and grace that the parents of these lost little angels have displayed in the wake of the darkness that Friday brought.
Specifically, as Emilie Parker’s father spoke of his daughter, noting that she would have been one of the first ones to be standing there giving her love and support to all of the victims, my heart broke. He said that she always carried her art supplies around so that she could draw pictures to make people feel better when they were sad. After depicting his daughter beautifully inside and out he managed to say, “as we move on from what happened here, what happened to so many people, let it not turn into something that defines us, but something that inspires us to be better; to be more compassionate; and to be more humble people. Let us please keep the sentiments of love that we feel for our families and the compassion that we feel for others, even complete strangers, and not just in times of sorrow and tragedy.” In honor of Emilie and all of the other angels, let us find peace and grace.
Specifically, as Emilie Parker’s father spoke of his daughter, noting that she would have been one of the first ones to be standing there giving her love and support to all of the victims, my heart broke. He said that she always carried her art supplies around so that she could draw pictures to make people feel better when they were sad. After depicting his daughter beautifully inside and out he managed to say, “as we move on from what happened here, what happened to so many people, let it not turn into something that defines us, but something that inspires us to be better; to be more compassionate; and to be more humble people. Let us please keep the sentiments of love that we feel for our families and the compassion that we feel for others, even complete strangers, and not just in times of sorrow and tragedy.” In honor of Emilie and all of the other angels, let us find peace and grace.
My thoughts and prayers are with Sandy Hook and all of the victims’ families.
Fueled by Endorphins 
One response to “Sweet Dreams Angels”
What a beautiful post.
I've had nightmares and images and thoughts about all of this, constantly.
That little boy who said he knew karate..I heard about that as well, and saw that Obama mentioned it too. doesn't that just show you the pure innocence of those little guys?
It's all so heartbreaking.