Hearts to Newtown

The incident at Sandy Hook Elementary last week was truly a tragedy. My heart goes out to all those affected by the shooting, and I hug my little ones a little closer as I try not to take them for granted. Not every mother gets to kiss her babies goodnight.

If you'd like to help but don't know how, you may want to consider this "Hearts to Newtown" campaign. My friend shared this information on her blog, and I think it's worth passing along.

The idea is simple: spreading love, goodwill and cheer through the heart of a child. We are calling for elementary-aged children's art on paper hearts of all sizes, to be plastered all over Newtown, CT. Include child's first name, age and state. With these hearts, we hope to spread a tangible expression of the love felt by so many people, all sharing in grief for those suffering. Send your paper hearts to:

P.O. Box 754
Bethel, CT
06801

If you'd like to know more, here's a link to their Facebook page. 

Skylie decorated a heart, and this Sunday the Primary children in our ward will, too.

Knowing Skylie wouldn't--and shouldn't--completely understand why we were sending a colored heart, I simply told her that "we're coloring a heart to send to people who are sad, and it'll help them be happy." 

I should've known my inquisitive three-year-old wouldn't be satisfied with that explanation.

"Why are they sad?" she asked.

"Because something sad happened at a school."

"What happened? What happened?" she questioned further.

Knowing she wouldn't comprehend, I told her, "People got shot."

I'm sure she sensed more from the tear in my eye and the choke in my voice, than from the words I'd said

"Oh! Are their mommys' and daddys' sad!?" She asked.

Yes. Yes. I'm sure their moms and dads are very sad.

***** 

My friend, Sara, also shared this link to a talk Elder Holland gave about finding comfort when tragic things happen at Christmastime. Elder Holland's talks are always great, but this one seemed especially moving to me.