As you all know by now, this past Friday Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT suffered a tremendous tragedy where many innocent lives were lost. For those of you who do not know me, I am from Milford, CT. Although I do not have immediate connections with any of the victims, this is something which as been hit close to my heart and home. Many of the girls I went to high school with are from Newtown, the police force which went in to save the children was my father’s before he retired in August, many Bryant students are from Newtown, and above all, not only did every single one of my friends here share tears but the entire nation came together and now we can see the world is. I saw pictures from Beijing, Rome, and England, just to name a few, where people were placing the appropiate amount of crosses in public spaces, lighting candles on front porch steps, and just mourning the loss of so many sweet angels.
If any of you have been greatly impacted from this tragedy, I want to extend by highest prayers, greatest hugs, and warmest words to you. Last night I gathered my school together to simply have a few moments of silence and to light candles to commemorate all the angels who now sit wrapped comfortably in God’s arms. I wanted to read a prayer but felt that may be innapropiate so instead I found this little poem on Facebook which my mom shared.
For all of those who came last night, thank you for showing your support. SAA was kind enough to bring out their leftover 100 candles for the vigil and we gave them out within 5 minutes. I was not, at all, expecting so many people to show up. It just really shows the community we have here at Bryant and the heartache the entire world is feeling. I am very proud to call, not only Connecticut, but Bryant University my home.
Twas’ 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say.
“where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
“this is heaven.” declared a small boy. “we’re spending Christmas at God’s house.”
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.”
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!”
“may this country be delivered from the hands of fools”
“I’m taking back my nation. I’m taking back my schools!”
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
“come now my children, let me show you around.”
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
“in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.”