After the tragic massacre that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School, I didn't think it was appropriate to just write a Christmas post as if nothing had happened. Twenty-six people died because a crazed individual went on a shooting rampage. Twenty children won't be with their families for Christmas.
I want to share my thoughts.
Everyone is busy. So busy that sometimes we take the people that mean the most to us for granted because we assume they will always be there. Then, we see a tragedy like the one in Newtown, Connecticut, and we realize just how fragile and precious live is.
I think we have lost sight of the fact that we are all one big family, As a country we need to support each other. If you see someone struggling or in pain, lend a hand or show that you care by listening if someone needs to talk. It could make all the difference in a person's life.
I used to ride to the store in my power chair to pick up a few groceries for my mom. One day the wheel of my chair got stuck in a grate in an alley. Two women came by. I asked them if they would go and get help for me. "Oh no, we can't get involved," they told me and walked on. Thankfully. a few minutes later, someone did come and help me. We need to help one another whenever we can.
Families need to sit down and talk to each other more. Turn off the cell phones, put down the Ipads and video game controllers and talk about your day so that you know what is going on in each others lives. Stop texting and start, talking. Looking at your phone when someone is speaking is rude. It sends the message that your phone is more important than the person who is speaking. Be connected to each other, not just your phone or the Internet.
I think we need to turn to God in prayer more.
What I've said is nothing new. Some of you may even find it corny. I hope not. I hope it starts you thinking of ways you might help or offer support to another person. We will all need each others help and support as we struggle to deal with this terrible tragedy.
Tell the important people in your life you love them. Hug your children and make sure they know you love them and how special they are to you.
This Christmas Season, my thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Newtown, Connecticut. Especially to the parents who lost their children. I pray that someday we will finally have "Peace on Earth and Good Will to Men."
