write a letter to newtown

What is there to say, really?

What happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT last Friday was utterly devastating -- and I have been struggling ever since with whether to post about it. I simply can't let go of their faces, their names, their ages, the stories... And I definitely don't feel ready to write about light and fluffy topics again, either. I know I will eventually -- we must all move on from this tragedy in a positive way, and Christmas is around the corner, of course. But I feel a little like I did in the weeks after 9/11... when I honestly wondered when I'd be able to get the images and sadness out of my head.

Time heals all wounds, and I hope and pray that THIS TIME... THIS TIME the passing of 20 innocent children and 6 dedicated adults will not go in vain. There is a national epidemic happening here, and real, positive change in terms of gun control and mental health awareness must occur.

It has to.

Want to do a little something to lift someone's spirits? Check out the Facebook page, "Letters of Love to Newtown" (thanks to Kim from Design + Life + Kids for letting me know about it!) and write a note to Newtown here --

Sandy Hook Fire Department
19-20 Riverside Road
PO Box 783
Sandy Hook, CT 06482

Saint Rosa Lima Church
40 Church Hill Road
Newtown, CT 06482

Send a little cheer to the First Responders here:

Monroe Police Department
7 Fan Hill Road
Monroe, CT 06468

Looking for a craft project? When school resumes at Sandy Hook, it will be in a new building. Parent volunteers are working to ensure that students are welcomed back to a winter wonderland with the entire school decorated with as many unique snowflakes as possible. 

You can send your snowflakes (by Jan. 12, 2013) to:

Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12, Suite 103
Hamden, CT 06514

Peace be with you this holiday season.
xx