Last night, and Interfaith tribute ceremony was held in Newtown, Conecticut in honor and loving memory of the victims who lost their lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday Dec.14th. The tragedy of this shooting claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults. President Barack Obama along with other Ministers, Pastors, and Rabbi’s delivered prayers, words of encouragement, love, and unity, and one of the speakers performed a prayer song in Hebrew language for the crowd. Overall, this was by far an emotional and moving tribute that left many in tears.
As news of this story made headlines, I was deeply moved at the global impact that proceeded thereafter. There was an outpour of love, prayers, kindness of words, and comradery that was shown from all people [of all nationalities, religion, race and gender] As a parent [of two children] I was and still am in a state of shock by this horrific crime. I was speechless to say the least [and anyone who knows me know I love to TALK]. There were no words I could speak – Just prayers!
Thinking of how precious life is I made a surprise visit to my grandmother house last night -Sun. Dec 16th]. In shock and disbelief my grandma [who is 80yrs old and of CATHOLIC faith] began crying as she looked at me and her great-grandchildren. The first words she uttered was “THANK YOU GOD – my children are all right”. See-I reside in Connecticut [and geographically live close to where this crime took place] However I was also celebrating my birthday in New York City this past weekend and was not in CT when my grandmother dialed my house number. My grandmother had been trying to reach me since Friday and had not heard from me since. I share this story to inform and remind us all that “NO ONE IS PROMISE TOMORROW” and therefore it is important that we remind those that are dear to us every day how much we love them.
Like many parents/grandparents/loveones, My grandma was initially concerned about me and my children’s safety when she learned news of this crime, [and while she had not heard from me nor my siblings who I’d been partying with this weekend], she said she spent the entire weekend praying, reading her favorite psalms [23,and 25] singing gospel songs, and waiting to hear from me.
I returned home and spent the rest of night – hanging out with my kids and enjoying every moment [holding them, playing, with them and reading to them]
Parents- Cherish Every Moment With Your Child!
My sincere condolences and continued prayers to all of the victims families of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut Gone but never Forgotten!
Here’s “Thanks For My Child”
PLUM’s I ask that you PRAISE and TALK about the real heroes [the firefighters, EMS first responders, police officers who assisted other children, faculty to safety during this horrific tragedy, the teachers who locked their classroom doors to protect other children from getting injured and NOT speak or TALK or make a celebrity of the VILLAIN of this crime instead.
Let us never forget the principal, teachers, staff, and children who lost their lives on 12.14.12.