Elementary School Shooting - the mourning thread

[NeuroTypical]

Here's a thread where we will not be guessing at causes, or arguing, or trying to fix things. This is a thread where we can mourn.

I'd start, but I don't really have the words to express the grief I feel for the children whos childhood ended today. Or the parents and siblings who are now dealing with a gaping hole in their families.

[Backroads]

Thanks for creating this. I'm not really ready to debate anything.

I didn't cry until I went to lunch with my mom. I can't imagine how all these parents who sent their little kids off to school this morning are feeling.

Edited December 14, 2012 by Backroads

[pam]

We heard the news at work but since we can't use internet or our phones, I had to wait until I got home to read more about it.

It's always sad when anything like this happens, but sadder when it's kids. Everything to live for and because of the choice of another they won't get that chance.

My heart really goes out to everyone in that community.

[Anddenex]

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement today:

"We are profoundly saddened by the events this morning at a school in Connecticut. We grieve with all those affected by this tragedy and especially for the families of these little children.

"In this hour of great sorrow we pray the Spirit of our Father in Heaven will provide comfort and peace to all."

First Presidency Expresses Condolences in Wake of Connecticut Shooting

[classylady]

I pray that the Comforter will be with those families as they mourn. Not only are the families mourning, but we as a nation mourn with them.

[Backroads]

I wish there were something I could do. I'm itching to, I don't know, donate something or send something.

[Wingnut]

The President's press statement was moving. He was wiping tears away throughout much of it. Best line: "Their children are our children."

ETA: In case you didn't get to see his comments, you can watch here:

Edited December 14, 2012 by Wingnut

[skippy740]

Alma 14:10-11

10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.

11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.

[Backroads]

Okay, after being severely distracted just like everyone else in the office, I'm ready to head home and probably cry my eyes out on the commute.

[Guest]

I've been more angry and distraught today than I have been since 9/11. Having my sweet little redhead sitting in her Kindergarten class today didn't help, nor thinking of her 2nd grade and 5th grade sisters down the hall from her, nor did thinking of all their friends who we've known since they were almost babies and grown to love. I can't imagine the reeling and grief in that community. I think I've cried my tears dry today.

I had to drop something off at the school office and talked a little with my friend working there about how helpless a situation it was.

[skippy740]

[pam]

I like to think the Savior's arms were very full today as he hugged each of those little precious children.

[skippy740]

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along the unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

...And in despair I bowed my head:

"There is no peace on earth," I said,

"For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing singing, on its way,

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,

Of peace on earth, good will to men!

[Guest LiterateParakeet]

I had a difficult time figuring out what I would tell my own youngest children about this tragedy. I finally came up with an answer, and in the hope that it might help someone else, I wrote a blog post about it.

What I will tell my children about the Newtown Massacre

[NeuroTypical]

There are always helpers, aren't there. Thank you LP, I hadn't thought of that until just now.

[Backroads]

I've been more angry and distraught today than I have been since 9/11. Having my sweet little redhead sitting in her Kindergarten class today didn't help, nor thinking of her 2nd grade and 5th grade sisters down the hall from her, nor did thinking of all their friends who we've known since they were almost babies and grown to love. I can't imagine the reeling and grief in that community. I think I've cried my tears dry today.

I had to drop something off at the school office and talked a little with my friend working there about how helpless a situation it was.

I also think I'm comparing this with 9/11. In some ways, it's so much worse.

A life is a life is a life and all precious, but I think most people agree that somehow, as illogical as it may be, the lost life of a child is the greatest tragedy.

We watched a movie last night, just something fun to do on a Friday night. Had little kids in it. I could hardly look at them, and just started crying again.

I don't know what my reaction would be if I were still teaching. I did a few years of first grade. Those guys were little enough. I keep thinking of those funny little kindergartners marching down the hall. Hardly more than babies.

[Backroads]

I like to think the Savior's arms were very full today as he hugged each of those little precious children.

I think this as well.

I also believe there were angels ready and waiting for those children when this happened.

[Wingnut]

I also believe there were angels ready and waiting for those children when this happened.

I'm currently weaning my almost-thirteen-month-old, as well as getting her to sleep through the night. She's gone all the way through three nights this week, which hasn't happened since before she was six months old (hallelujah!!), but last night she woke up around midnight. I was still up, and when it became apparent after a few minutes that she wasn't getting herself to sleep, I went up to give her some milk and rock her a bit. I held her longer than I normally would have under the circumstances, but I felt so peaceful, sitting in the dark, holding my baby, and listening to primary music on her CD player. She seemed unusually agitated for her personality. I rocked her and softly whispered as I did. I asked if she could see the angels. She calmed immediately. I told her they were safe now, and that they would stay with her as long as she needed them. She relaxed in my arms, and her breathing became steadier.

Could she really see angels? Probably not. Did she know what I was talking about? Doubtful. Was she calmed by my voice and my arms? Most likely. It was still a very sweet experience for me.

[Just_A_Guy]

Off-topic: That picture of Christ embracing the child - anyone know who the artist is?

[Wingnut]

Off-topic: That picture of Christ embracing the child - anyone know who the artist is?

A Google image search of the image itself doesn't even come up with anything.

[Just_A_Guy]

Found it - David Bowman, and he's a Mormon.

[Guest LiterateParakeet]

Yes, you beat me too it....David Bowman. On his page he offered it to be freely shared. He was one of the EFY instructors last summer (Washington state), my sons loved him!

[Just_A_Guy]

Not sure if those outside of Utah know this, but one of the victims was a Church member who had recently moved to Connecticut from Ogden. Her father just recently issued a press statement - see the 5:30 PM update here for video.

[skippy740]

Found out that 2 of the victims were newly inducted cub scouts. I'm personally glad that I'm not their cubmaster to try to help the dens & packs to come to grips with this. It must be a horrible feeling for them.

[Jenamarie]

One of the victims is literally just one day older than my oldest son. Looking at him and trying to imagine him gone just takes my breath away.