REFLECT | Sandy Hook Elementary

I'm so torn today.
Somehow a normal blog post just doesn't seem appropriate.
I've shed so many tears this weekend...along with the rest of the world...
over the heart-wrenching atrocities that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary.

When people say "There are no words"...
there really aren't for something like this.
There. just. aren't.

At the same time...
even though I don't feel a normal blog post will suffice today...
I also think of how important it is to resume normal routines...
in order to help with the healing process.

Is this easy?
Definitely not.
I find it can be one of the hardest things...
as well as one of the easiest things we can do...
after experiencing tragedy or loss.

It's one of the hardest things because going about our normal routines feels absolutely incongruous.
It's one of the easiest things because we can choose to turn on autopilot - naturally/eventually bringing about a sense of
normalcy.

The resumption of everyday life is absolutely essential.
And although it FEELS like we are being asked to forget...
or it FEELS like we are being forced to "move on"...
It actually means we are pushing beyond the loss...
beyond the unspeakable pain...
reaching towards hope...
searching for peace...
while simultaneously remembering, reflecting, and coping...
which altogether leads to healing.

Tomorrow I will likely choose to get back to regular blog posts.

Today, however...
instead of pulling the covers over my head and continuing to be lost in the sadness of it all...
I'm at least opting for auto-pilot...
by posting something.
even if it's just my thoughts today.
Most importantly...
I'm sharing the names of those who lost their lives...

My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with
the mothers...
fathers...
sisters...
brothers...
grandparents...
families...
teachers...
friends...
co-workers...
first responders...
school officials...
and the community of Newtown.

To all of my friends here...

I encourage you to share your thoughts by leaving a comment- if you feel inspired to do so.

Sending you sincere hugs!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I've been especially patient, affectionate and loving towards my children ever since the dreadful news broke.
It's amazing how tragedies like this cause the big things to suddenly become little...
and the little things to become tremendously big.
I'm so grateful for the shift in perspective.