It has been one month since we lost our cousin Lauren in the tragedy at Sandy Hook. One month since Lauren kissed her cat, Laila, for the last time and one month since far too many families gave final hugs to their innocent children. It has been one month since Lauren and five of her colleagues devoted their last day to educating and protecting their classrooms of kids, and one month since the bright futures of 20 first graders came to such a sorrowful end. It has been one month since those 26 beautiful faces first appeared on our television screens and one month since we cried our first tears.
It has been one month, and yet our families continue to grieve. Our country continues to ask questions and debate laws, and we continue to feel helpless, but hopeful, that real change is possible.
We must honor the lives lost and promise to work to make our world a safer one. Today the community of Newtown announced its national grassroots initiative, the Sandy Hook Promise, to “do everything we can to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.” I encourage you to sign the promise and pledge your support to “turn this tragedy into a moment of transformation.”
We must also promise to be kind and compassionate and appreciative. I encouraged you to do this one month ago: “Find 15 minutes in your busy day to call a friend. Send a card to someone on Halloween or just because. Thank your barista for knowing your name and remembering your order. Hug a teacher and express your gratitude for nurturing our children. Smother your kids with kisses. And be a persuasive voice for peace on Earth.”
I assume you’ve heard of the 26 Acts of Kindness campaign. Following the shooting at Sandy Hook, Ann Curry tweeted: “Imagine if everyone could commit to doing one act of kindness for each precious life lost. An act of kindness big or small. Are you in?”
Yes, we’re in.
You’re welcome to add this graphic to your blog (purple for Lauren, of course) to show your support and share your pledge.
My hope is that you inspire others, and we can move towards real change and a better world.