Pausing

We're taking a break today. Pausing, and holding onto each other tightly.

I'm in shock, really. In disbelief of what happened today in Newtown. How is it possible that someone could hurt those children? Those babies. And intentionally.

I've been searching for answers all day long. Reading updates by the minute, and gluing myself to the television. But I know deep down that we will never know why.

All we can do is send our love and prayers, every waking minute...to the victims' families, to the children who witnessed such horrible events, and to the caretakers. All of the many, many caretakers who will leave permanent marks on these families' lives.

And, to every parent who will struggle to find a way to talk to their children about what happened today.

I read a quote by Fred Rogers, that not only equipped me, but gave me some much needed peace.

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world."

Tonight let us hold on to our loved ones tightly, especially our children. Let us read them as many books as they bring us at bedtime, kiss them as much as they will let us, and as they sleep peacefully in their beds...let us all remember the helpers.