I have no proper words to respond to the school shooting in Newtown, CT. So many beautiful tributes have been made to those that were lost. As a new parent, my heart is broken for those families who had a child that did not return home from school that day. I cannot fathom the pain they must be in as the reality of this settles into their lives.

I recently watched an interview with Elie Wiesel and Oprah Winfrey. Having lived through an unimaginable tragedy himself, where many children were killed as well, his reflection on the Holocaust sounded in my head as I watched the news coverage at Sandy Hook. When Oprah had asked Elie about the loss of his young sister (aged 7) and all the others at the concentration camps, he said:

"Why the children? My God, why the children? You know, that the million and a half children were killed. Straight from the train. Do you know what they have done to humanity? How many among them could have grown up to become scientists? Physicians. Poets. Scholars. Friends of humanity. Saviors of the world. What they have done to the world."

I could not agree more. The extra sadness felt when a young child is lost is felt most earnestly in their innocence and in a life not yet lived. What might those children have grown up to do?

My prayer is for peace, understanding, and strength to move forward for those families affected and for the survivors at Sandy Hook.

Our Little Acrobat

On Sunday Eleanor rolled over for the first time! She rolled from her tummy to her back. It was so much fun to watch her concentrating so hard and then celebrate her success. She was so proud of herself! It was a neat moment for us and I was so glad it happened on a day that Matthew was home. All of her hard work tired Ellie out so much that she slept 11 straight hours that night; two records in one day!

Empathy

Our family received some sad news today.  Long time family friend's of my husband lost their daughter on Monday.  Despite the fact that I never met this incredible woman, her passing leaves a big hole in our hearts.  You see this young lady and my husband fought a similar battle.  Sadly, hers was longer and harder than Matthew's, and my heart is just breaking for her family and friends.  Empathy is such a strong bond.  Having been through something yourself, it opens you up to others in a way you just can't imagine before hand.  Being a mother has also changed my view on things.  I know one day I won't be able to fix everything for Eleanor.  That I'll have to let her struggle through things, both little and big, and I won't be able to help.  That I'll only be able to love her and encourage her and give her strength and a safe harbor to come home to.  That scares me.  But it also reminds me that today I am lucky.  I'm lucky that my husband is in good health and so is my daughter.  I am lucky that Eleanor's problems are no worse than a wet diaper or an empty belly.  There will be days to come when this list is longer and scarier but for today I will just be grateful and know that God has a plan for all of us and that he has welcomed our friend into his arms where she can finally rest, and however small that feels right now, it is comforting to know she is safe and finally home.