Sometimes I let distant tragedy wash over me, not allowing it to enter my heart. The shootings in Connecticut have stayed with me all weekend, though. I read bios of the children, and I wept, thinking of the things left unsaid. What is there to say after “he loved soccer?” Those words don’t really capture the way you sit on the sidelines, setting the camera aside as you just watch your child run. “She loved the color purple” is very different than that little girl who insists she must wear purple, and only that, from socks to hair bow.
Which is why I find myself without words, in the face of this depth of pain. I have a six-year-old boy. He has a gap-toothed smile and an impish sense of humor. He is sweet and wild. He loves Harry Potter and Legos. Those words don’t begin to tell who he is, or how we would feel if we lost him. I hope that those families have felt something of the collective mourning, of the prayers offered on their behalf. I hope that somewhere there are words that bring them peace.
Here are some people who have been better at speaking than me:
“In the Loop,” by Bill Hicok, written after the Virginia Tech shootings (h/t Angela Hallstrom) Must read.
“Theodicy” (for Connecticutt), a poem by Jonathon Penny. Loved this one. (h/t Segullah on Facebook)
Portraits of the victims. These were hard for me to read, and part of me wonders if they should have stayed private. But they have added intensity to my prayers for the families of these children. And teachers.
This talk, by Elder Holland, about finding peace amid tragedy at Christmas. (h/t friend Lindsy)
Tell me about the words that bring you comfort. (feel free to add links, please…)