Connecticut

I am sad. I am so, so sad. 

I woke up to news about the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. I called my sister, mother of my favorite kiddos on the planet, hoping I could tell them over and over that I love them. I couldn't. They were at school.  

I just can't believe it. This morning kids were shot. And killed. 

Every news outlet has been flooded with coverage about the event and my Facebook feed is spewing out debates about gun control and people are asking, 'what's wrong with people' - referring to the shooter.

To me, that question is what's wrong. Instead of asking, 'what's wrong with people' why aren't we asking, 'what can I do to help people?' My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the entire Newtown community. But my heart also goes out to to Ryan Lanza - the shooter. 

What was his life like? Why was he so unhappy? He was only 24. Kids that age are supposed to be filled with love and hope and adventure and excitement. Was there not love in his life? Did he not have friends? He must have hated himself. 

I am certain that there are people we pass on the street everyday that are sad and miserable and that have thoughts of hurting themselves - or hurting other people. There are people who are bullied and secluded. There are people whose families don't love them. Typically, those are the people that are behind these horrible tragedies. 

I believe that we are all part of the same family and that it is our obligation to spread love and joy and kindness to all those around us. Even the people that are mean or bad or different. Because of my religious upbringing, I believe that the kids who were shot and killed today are my brothers and sisters - and their families are, too. And so is Ryan Lanza. He is my brother. And I am broken hearted for him, too.

My prayers are for all the families associated with this tragedy. My prayers are also for all us - that we can use this horrific situation and come out better and stronger. I pray that it will remind us that this world needs more love and compassion and forgiveness. It needs less guns - but i don't have control over that.  I have control on how much I  love and forgive and include.