Still Saddened....

It has been difficult to wake up the last couple of days and not immediately think of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  It is made even harder to bear because it has fallen during the most joyous time of the year.  When we should be focused on the birth of Jesus and the appearance of Santa on Christmas Eve...we are distracted by the pain of the Connecticut community.  For the parents who are facing a heartache that some of us know all too well, I am torn.  Our family thankfully enough was not the victim of a madman.  We are blessed to have 27 years of memories to hold on to.  These parents have but 7 or 8.  These children are not gone because God needed more angels in his heavens.  They were targets of a mentally ill young man who purposefully went on a rampage to destroy.  It reminds us all that tomorrow is not promised to anyone.

I know these families are facing the worst week of their lives.  They must bury children then try to show some semblance of normalcy for the brothers and sisters that are left behind on what should be the most holy and happy day of the year. 

It is strange the thoughts that cross your mind at a time like this.  I sat in church today wondering what they are finding their hardest task....outside of burying their baby.  I know there are presents bought and wrapped that will not be opened.  There are Christmas programs they will not be attending.  There will be a worship service minus a family member.  Nothing is or ever will be easy again.  For me it was the simpliest thing that was the very hardest.  It was Christmas pajamas.  Such a ridiculous thing to grieve over when so many other things should matter.   The box that was bought and remained unopened was a pair of pajamas.  Those matching pajamas were always a joke to my kids but they mattered to me. It hurt my heart in the craziest of ways. 
I hope and pray that there will be one tiny moment ...just a memory that will bring some joy to these broken hearts.  The road ahead is long.  May their faith bring them strength.