Oh, Connecticut. So much pain.

I write this morning, because the words are swirling and it’s all I can do to move through these feelings. I’m listening to my daughters play downstairs, a make believe city sprawled in my living room, where little doctors and teachers are eating meals and going to work and living lovely little imaginary lives.
As it should be.

I’m questioning our society. I’m wondering when we will acknowledge that we are off course. That there is too much sadness, too much violence, too much separation from what is truly meaningful about our precious time here on earth.

I’m embracing the feminine this morning. Strong intuition that tells me it is time for mothers to rise up, to speak about love, tenderness, connection and healing. This conversation should not (only) be about gun control and video games and violence and fear. There are certainly places for those conversations. But mothers understand that there is a larger hole in our collective heart.

 Why are young men (in inner cities and affluent towns) so lost?

 How can families and communities wrap their arms around their young men?

 Can we have conversations steeped in love, and not in fear?

 Will those whose children are grown, share their wisdom, be mentors to parents and children?

 Can we turn to our neighbors and rebuild something that has been lost, one connection at a time?

 How do we honor the work of parenting and create spaces for parents to share and learn and heal?

There is one thought that my mind keeps returning to. It is painful, and perhaps I’d rather ignore it, but I choose not to. I ask myself what I would regret if my own family life were shattered yesterday.

Witnessing tragedy brings all that I value and hold dear into crystal clear focus. I want to hold onto this awareness in the coming year. To see my children as innocent and precious each day of their lives. And when it is hard to remember, many months from now, when I am tired or frustrated or angry, I want to lean into love. Love softens frustrations, love reminds us to speak with kindness and respect, love listens intently and love teaches and guides our souls.

I will continue to sit with these feelings through the coming days. Beautiful ways to show our support for Sandy Hook Elementary School may present themselves soon. But for now, I will allow this message of Love to permeate my heart and my home. I believe it is the best way to honor the families who lost their babies yesterday.