image from witf.org
Yesterday was my birthday. My husband planned a wonderful wine country weekend getaway to celebrate it but on our way to Napa Valley Friday morning we heard news of the horrific tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. I have not been able to shake the cloud of sadness that settled over me upon hearing that first report of the young lives lost and those of the adults who tried to protect them.
My husband went to much effort to make sure I enjoyed my birthday weekend–from the special accommodations to the nonstop wonderful food and even inviting good friends to be our guests. As I’m wont to do, I shared images of the weekend via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but I couldn’t help feel just a little guilty for doing this, for having a nice time, when so many families have just suffered the worst thing imaginable.
Though most of us did not know the victims, I think this tragedy has affected us all. A child, a mother, an aunt, a sister, a friend was lost and we all can try to imagine the pain of never receiving another hug, hearing the laughter of, celebrating another birthday with or even just holding the hand of these people in our lives. I find myself on the verge of tears each time I’m reminded of the tragic event and all I can do is say a prayer for God to provide strength, peace and hope to the victims’ families.
I didn’t have the heart nor the energy to share weekend highlights or the recipe I had planned for today. Instead, I want to remember the victims. Because we’ll remember Sandy Hook, the name of the school and we’ll remember the name of the gunman but it won’t be the case for the victims. I honor them in my own way by sharing their names here so they are never forgotten, so I will always be reminded to treasure each day I have and to appreciate those who are most important to me.
- Charlotte Bacon, 6
- Daniel Barden, 7
- Olivia Engel, 6
- Josephine Gay, 7
- Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 6
- Dylan Hockley, 6
- Madeleine F. Hsu, 6
- Catherine V. Hubbard, 6
- Chase Kowalski, 7
- Jesse Lewis, 6
- James Mattioli, 6
- Grace McDonnell, 7
- Emilie Parker, 6
- Jack Pinto, 6
- Noah Pozner, 6
- Caroline Previdi, 6
- Jessica Rekos, 6
- Avielle Richman, 6
- Benjamin Wheeler, 6
- Allison N. Wyatt, 6
- Rachel Davino, 29
- Dawn Hochsprung, 47
- Nancy Lanza, 52
- Anna Marie Murphy, 52
- Lauren Rousseau, 30
- Mary Sherlach, 56
- Victoria Soto, 27
Thank you, Jean, for your heartfelt post. I too have been in prayer for the families – words seem so inadequate at a time like this. I can’t even fathom their sorrows, I can only hope and pray for them to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Beautiful Jean….
A tragedy. 🙁
Happy belated Birthday.
Cheers,
Rosa
Those beautiful children are not longer with their families because of violence caused by GUNS and lack of responsibility by owners. Parents and friends can be helpful when they observe changes in behavior and do something about it.
Our hearts are broken — sincere condolences to all those affected by this senseless tragedy.
Sad Sad Sad
Hi Jean, I hope you are doing okay-this really has been a very sad week and your heartfelt post is much appreciated. It was so fun getting together last week and your birthday weekend looked like so much fun on Instagram-thanks for sharing;-) All my best wishes, Patty
It’s still not real to me… I am still in shock :((
Happy belated Birthday!!