Reach out and touch

I was out in the world yesterday with my two daughters.  I was not the only one feeling so very aware of all the light and life and beauty they carry with them wherever they go.  As Emma and Sophia chatted her ear off, an older woman in the card store reached out her hands and cradled Sophia's face, she ran her hand over the top of Emma's little head and then she squeezed my arm as she told me how beautiful they are. 

We are all grieving.  But we are also reaching out, to acknowledge that we are still here and that we are not alone and that we possess deep wells of love and compassion from which we can touch another's heart.  So much inspiration is found in Connecticut communities and around the world.  Whether a quiet, solitary gesture or a heartfelt family project, I do hope that you find your way to something that helps you move from heartache into sweet, beautiful, healing connection.

• I found this excellent list of ways to send your condolences and support the organizations that are bringing grief counseling and comfort to the Newtown community.
• The Sandy Hook PTA will be creating a winter wonderland at the children's new school in nearby Monroe.  On their behalf, the Connecticut PTSA is organizing Snowflakes for Sandy Hook. 
• Many communities across the country are organizing teddy bear drives, backpack drives and collecting art supplies and healing books for children and their parents.  If you have gifts to share, you can email newtownboe@gmail.com to make arrangements for your donations.

Thank you to Eileen Straiton and Little Acorn Learning for inspiring us all to reach out and touch.  She is collecting stories of light and hope on her blog.  Please share yours, so that we may continually remind ourselves and our children that there is tremendous good in this world.

xo,

Allison