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Dear Santa: Send Love to Newtown

I wrote this last night after pulling off the road on my way home. Those that have read it have said they felt moved by it, so I thought I might share it with your town.

Dear Santa,
You know that I write you, around this time each year.
And I know that you're busy with all the toys and reindeer.

This time I'm not asking for gifts or any Christmas snow
I'm writing to you this year cause there's something you should know.

Look through your stack of letters or perhaps use your list

I know you're oh so busy but I really must insist

There's only about 20 names that you should find.
This is my only wish this year, Santa I hope that you don't mind

Those special boys and girls whose names I do not know
They got taken away today so I'm afraid that you won't go

Those kids may not need you but their mommies surely will
Their daddies' hearts need some mending of the holes it's torn in them

So please take my presents and change them into hugs
And throw them down their chimneys with all your Christmas love.

And for the man who did this while, I want to be so cruel
Give some hugs to his family from me, because I'm sure they'll need them too

 

Brandon Kelley 12/14/2012

"I know that no words have been entered into the dictionary to describe how this feels, but I hope that if enough people try, maybe some kind of peace can be found. Thinking of you and your families from Atlanta."

Rosa December 15, 2012 at 11:34 pm
Very beautiful and very moving things for your love and hugs for the family I wish I could be there to do the same all the family lots of love and good wishes
Nancy J December 16, 2012 at 12:23 am
I thought I was done crying over this horrible tragedy until I read your lovely poem. I cried again as you have expressed in your beautiful words what I as a parent could not. Thank you very much.
Linda Neilander December 16, 2012 at 12:45 am
Knowing the family of one of the angels has been just heartbreaking. Your words did offer some comfort, and I wish I was there in CT to hugs all those I know affected by this horrific tragedy.
Laura C. December 16, 2012 at 01:08 am
Larry, your comment is extremely appropriate. Thank you Brandon for your unselfish thoughts. God Bless and, as Brandon Kelley put it, hug your babies a little tighter next chance you get.
Suzanne Hayes December 16, 2012 at 01:12 am
That was such a beautiful and emotional letter. I haven't stopped crying since I read it. My heart goes out to everyone who lost a loved one. Just keep praying for all of them
Carol Fusco December 16, 2012 at 03:04 am
Beautifully said and very touching!
Allene J Thompson December 16, 2012 at 07:20 am
I currently live in Virginia. However, I grew up in Connecticut and most of my family still lives there. My heart breaks everytime I think of those families and their devestating loss.
Linda O'Brien December 16, 2012 at 07:30 am
Thank You Brandon for sharing.
Patricia December 16, 2012 at 07:42 am
You made me cry...
Patricia Tracy December 16, 2012 at 12:25 pm
You touched many hearts Brandon!
Patsy Dailey December 16, 2012 at 02:59 pm
Brandon your letter is beautiful! My heart & prayers go out to all of the victims of victims of Newtown, CT. I am sending love & prayers to all of you from Northampton, Massachusetts. The tragedy that took place is the nation's tragedy & the nation is praying for you & sending their love to the families & the entire town. God bless you Brandon for being so selfless. Love & Prayers from a former children's minister & also a single mom.
Wiltrud M. Weis December 16, 2012 at 05:32 pm
I cryd & cryd after that horrible tragedy , I still do sometimes till I was reading Brandon Kellys beautiful Poem ..I just hope a lot of it put it to use.....Also we need to bring Prayers back to School .... Blessed be you Brandon & Family
Sue barnes December 16, 2012 at 06:07 pm
Thank you Brandon for tour thoughtfulness for all the families and bless your heart. You sound like a very special person.
Sue barnes December 16, 2012 at 06:08 pm
Thank you Brandon for tour thoughtfulness for all the families and bless your heart. You sound like a very special person.
Joyce Watt December 16, 2012 at 07:12 pm
Brandon, your poem is beyond beautiful and obviously it comes from a beautiful heart and soul. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you.
Joyce Watt
Patrice Stowe December 16, 2012 at 07:46 pm
There is no human pain so great as losing a child. I know this and I know that there is a special angel in heaven to watch over your recious babies. I pray that you find the strength and courage to carry on in the memory of your child and loved ones. Make this world a safer place for those left behind. And Brandon? You have been taught well. Your family must be very proud of you and your selflessness.
Debbie K. December 16, 2012 at 09:05 pm
Beautiful Brandon! We are heartbroken here in Bethel for our neighbors and those precious angels who met Jesus and will suffer no more. God bless you and Sandy Hook!!
Jerry Mambo December 17, 2012 at 02:38 am
Thank you Brandon! I am older then you in years,your poem made me feel stonger while bringing a tear to my eye.This needs to go around the world! Hugs from the Heart from my Home to yours!
shauna December 17, 2012 at 02:39 am
That was a beautiful poem. I pray that each family and the entire communtiy of Newtown will find peace and comfort in the love of God and the shared sorrow of our entire nation. I and my entire church family are lifting you up in prayer. Be blessed
Marian Garcia December 17, 2012 at 03:52 am
My Heart & Soul Go Out To All Of U...I Am Sending Hugs Of Sympathy To All Of You. God Will Forever Keep All You Have Lost In His Loveing Care....
Matt Powanda December 17, 2012 at 02:56 pm
Brandon, thanks for sharing with us. All of us in CT appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Have a wonderful holiday and new year.
michael foley December 17, 2012 at 03:22 pm
Your words are my words, thank you Brandon.
Tc December 17, 2012 at 06:44 pm
Beautiful.. God Bless them!!
Moe December 17, 2012 at 06:56 pm
Amazing words....You are, without a doubt, one very special person Brandon and truly a gifted writer.
Nichole Taggart December 18, 2012 at 02:03 am
In a time of sorrow we all search or hearts and minds for the right words or even the right emotions. The great sadness that has fallen on those parents, families, and loved ones is unspeakable. As a mom I can only imagine what those who are living it are now feeling every second. Tears still fall, and will every time I look at those names. But I will still look. Thank you Brandon for sharing your thoughts and your beautiful words. I will read this and remember those 20 names and the 7 adults names as well, they may have passed on to sit with God in our heavenly home, but they will not be forgotten. And if we all remember their names they will not have died for nothing.
God bless your families. God bless your friends. His bless anyone your heart had blessed while you were still here on this earth. But most of all God bless your souls. Our hearts cry for each and everyone of you.
Melissa Bradshaw December 18, 2012 at 04:21 am
Amazing, thank you so much for sharing. We are trying to spread love and hope to Newtown as well, and have created a page dedicated to the everyone touched by this tragedy. It is a place to share prayers and condolences, as well as a place for people to see that we can all make a difference. I will be very thankful if you would give it a look, and "like" it to show your support. Thank you.
https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasForNewtown
Lisa S December 18, 2012 at 08:14 pm
Beautiful Brandon. Thank you for your prayers for our community.
PHILIP L. MOSHER December 21, 2012 at 04:19 am
DEAR BRANDON, FROM AND OLD TROOPER, MAY I SAY THAT YOUR POEM WAS BEAUTIFUL AND BROUGHT BACK MANY SAD MEMORIES OF YEARS OF SAD SITUATIONS . I WILL NEVER FORGET THOSE CHILDREN WHO I SAW DIE, THEY WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME. GOD BLESS YOU, THE PARENTS, FAMILY, FRIENDS AND BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN WHO HAVE JUST MADE HEAVEN SO MUCH BRIGHTER.
Ronald Colson December 27, 2012 at 01:15 pm
Thanks for the info, but what about Brandon' s wonderful poem? I think you forgot to tell the young man how special he is.
Ronald Colson December 27, 2012 at 01:43 pm
Brandon I just joined patch today. As a Christian and a Father it takes a lot of faith to deal with some of the things that are dealt to you. Your poem showing the love and unselfishness that you have and very few others do. The forgiveness you express for such a horrible act, while most others are enraged. Your actions and attitude can be found throughout the Bible. You are a blessing and your parents should be commended for the way they are raising you. GOD BLESS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS

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I do too.
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