A Day Like Today

I'm sure there isn't a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sister, brother, other family member or friend whose heart isn't broken for the families who lost loved ones in the horrible tragedy that unfolded today in Connecticut. Once again, we were left stunned and saddened as we watched and listened to the news accounts of the devastating rampage carried out upon innocent children and adults by an obviously troubled young man. We wept for the ones who were taken, and we gave thanks for the ones who were spared. Once again, we questioned how such a tragic event could have occurred in a school, the very place where little children and teachers should be protected and safe from the horrors of the outside world. Words just aren't enough, friends ... words just are not enough for a day such as today.

Earlier in the day, hours before I heard the news of what had happened in Connecticut, I talked with my son Brad. At the end of our chatty conversation, I said as I always do, "Love you, buddy," and he said, "Love you, too, Mom." On my way home from work tonight, I talked with my daughter-in-law Becca. At the end of our lengthy conversation, I said as I always do, "Love you," and she said, "Love you, too." Yesterday, at the end of an emotional conversation with a friend at work, we hugged and I said, "I love you," and she said, "I love you, too, Terrie." Tonight at the end of a telephone conversation with an old friend, she said, "I love you, Terrie," and I replied, "I love you, too."

I'm sure it goes without saying tonight, but I'm going to say it anyway. Tell the people you love that you love them. Never miss an opportunity to say those words to the ones you love. A day like today should remind all of us to put aside any differences we may have and realize that those differences really don't matter at all. A day like today should remind all of us that what really matters in this life is how we love one another. A day like today should remind all of us that none of us, young or old, have the promise of another day or even another breath. A day like today should remind all of us of the power and importance of an embrace. A day like today should remind all of us to say, "I love you ... I love you ... I love you ... I love you."

Be with the hurting families tonight, Lord ... please be with them tonight, Lord.