Honoring Newtown Christmas Eve

Paying Tribute to Newtown Christmas Eve

Shattered. Innocence, families, and the world. 

I could elaborate on the above statement. Why? The words have been spoken, written, and left unsaid, for what can we really say?

Now. We can only continue to act. The pain, the shock, and the horror will remain. People will forgive, move along each day but we will never forget. Each step will perhaps become easier in time. Still, we will always walk with a pause.

I have started this column several times. I have fought within myself trying to decide which is the best road to travel.

At the end of the day, I have decided, that I should concentrate on honoring. We will continue to discuss, question, cry, and never fully comprehend. Our emotions, our upheaval will help us to heal, to remember, to try, and recapture a balance of peace. 

However, we must keep grasp of the thread that is binding us together. We must follow the dignity the parents, and families have shown. We must learn from the heroic efforts, and grace put forth by the teachers, and children.  All the children. We must remember the strength of the first responders, the police, the fire personnel, the coroners, the courage of every person who stepped inside a zone of such gruesome, heart wrenching magnitude. We must continue the bravery as we honor this town, this community, the world has adopted. For we are now one family, one community united in sorrow, and the determination to stand together for change. 

As the days have unfolded people are jumping in full force, to be kinder, thoughtful, and more mindful of another’s plight. People are relishing in the 26 acts of kindness. Organized groups are holding walks for Newtown, churches are hosting prayer vigils, strangers are becoming more than tourists as they travel to Newtown. The list is endless, as we are all actively seeking a way to be involved, letting Newtown know we hold you in our arms, our hearts, and always in prayer. We will not let such an unthinkable act escape change or let those beautiful lives be for not. In our grief they have given us purpose.

 It is almost as if, Christmas is in the air but it is the spirit of Newtown this season that is ringing in the meaning of the season.

Therefore, it is in this spirit that we ask for one more act of kindness. 

This Christmas Eve at 9:00 pm EST we are asking that everyone turn off their Christmas lights for 26 minutes in honor of the 20 children, and six adults. Be still, and look out, let the 26 new heavenly lights shine as they lead us forward.