The scene of unfathomable tragedy. Praise be to God, Nicholas was not there. His class doesn't meet on Fridays and he was with us at Mass watching Francis's class sing. All of his classmates and teachers were spared. Our older boys don't attend Sandy Hook, so they were safe as well. All of our neighbors also got out alive, although not without suffering incredible trauma.
We are about as far removed from the devastation as you could be in this town. But life is still hard. We have to decide what to do about Nicholas's schooling. We have to decide how may funerals our kids can stand to see. Seven kids from our Parish died. They will likely all be buried within the next 9 days and they will all take place at the church at the kid's school. Like parents all over this country our world has been shaken. We will never casually wish our kids a good day and drop them off at the school door again. But, we are the lucky ones. Our worries are nothing compared to what the people around us are dealing with.
We choose Newtown, in part, because we wanted to be part of a community. We wanted our kids to grow up seeing what it means to share your lives and experiences, serving the people around you. Little did we know the turn that would take, so early into our time here. Now we remember that as followers of Christ, we are called to patiently bear one another's burdens. We know that all of you have been praying for us and we pray we have the courage to come alongside our neighbors and help them to shoulder this terrible cross.
Update: Please pray specifically for the family of Olivia E. Her Mom and I taught one of the first grade classes at VBS together this summer and Olivia and Francis were in it together....
3 comments:
We are praying for your children as they deal with loss, and heal from heartache. We are praying for you, as you navigate these waters with your precious family. We are praying that God gives you strength and wisdom to help them heal. So glad to know that you are all safe!
I was wondering if your family was alright, but I had no way to reach you. Our hearts are with you guys. Hang in there.
Sarah,
Thank you for your card and for sharing your heartfelt thoughts after the tragedy. It really put things into perspective. Can't agree with you more on your words--"Even as we rejoice at Christmas, our joy is not complete until we experience the pain of Good Friday and the triumph of Easter." Thank you, Jesus, for coming to this world and for dying on the cross so that we have the eternal hope and joy.
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