To Newtown, With Love

We rushed out of the cold and into the warmth of Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. We had three minutes to spare before my daughter’s performing arts class. That’s when I noticed the open door, to the side of the lobby.

Edmond Town Hall, Newtown CT

The room was lined with tables, covered in cards, artwork, notes of love and prayer. They were elaborate. They were simple. And they were everywhere.

A Wreath of Soccer Shoes, with love from a team in NC

It’s been only six weeks since the tragedy.  In a way it seems like a lifetime ago. I know many people out in the world are moving on. I hope they are not forgetting.

I could have stayed in that room all day, reading the letters of support for the town of Newtown, the families of the victims, the teachers, the students and the first responders.

Sending love and support, from Canada

An hour earlier, my 13 year-old had told me that she has “decided to underestimate the goodness of humanity.” She is tired of being disappointed and saddened by the evil in our world.

I  reminded her (at length) of all the good in the world. But when I turned away, I wondered if it would be safer, easier, more realistic to  expect a whole lot less of people.

They WILL remember.

But this display, it strengthened my hope. From all over the world, people  are reaching out to Newtown. It is one thing to see it on the news. It’s another to see it in person, to hold a card in your hands from a classroom in Spain, or Canada or Brazil.

A garland of hearts trimming the door ways or the historic town hall building.

This week there was a hearing, in case you hadn’t heard. Residents, victims families and lawmakers in our state spoke out.

Letters to Newtown.

According to the New York Times, David Wheeler, father of 6 year-old Ben, a victim of the Sandy Hook tragedy said this:

“The liberty of any person to own a military-style assault weapon and a high-capacity magazine and keep them in their home is second to the right of my son to his life,” he said. “His life, to the right to live of all of those children and those teachers, the rights of your children, of you, of all of us. Let’s honor the founding documents and get our priorities straight.”

Although I tend to keep my mouth shut about such things, I wholeheartedly agree with him. Our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should be the priority.

A letter to the surviving teachers.

I know that what happened in Newtown was not simply a guns issue. But there is no questions that gun control is an issue for our country. And stronger laws are a place to start.

Prayers from Miami

You may agree or disagree with me.

Prayers for the families.

And that is your right.

Hearts and Bracelets

Thoughts? Opinions? Tell me in the comments.