"Let the Children Come to Me"

The tragedy of Sandy Hook Elemantary School has left an impact on so many people both near and far. Many of us who did not know the family or any of the staff from the school still felt compelled to reach out and do something.

I think back to when I was in first grade that my artistic ability first got noticed from the school principal, Sister Julie, at Holy Rosary School in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It was from that year that I recognized my art career really started. The encouragement I recieved from her to always keep drawing as well as to work hard would be things that would stick with me thoughout my years in school and beyond.

It saddens me to think about what gifts, talents and other interests that were beginning to develop in those young minds would never reach full maturity. My illustration features 20 smiling children in all their innocence that hopefully will add some sort of comfort to the families.

May all the victims Rest In the Peace of knowing that our whole nation is praying for them and their families.

Ricky Mestre