Hug Your Family A Little Tighter this Christmas

The tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut has touched everyone deeply.  At this time, law enforcement officials identified the shooter as 20-year-old Adam Lanza, who grew up in the tight-knit community of 27,000. Police say Lanza killed his mother, Nancy, at her Newtown home before going to Sandy Hook Elementary School, where he primarily targeted two classrooms.

Lanza's motives are still unclear today, though detectives are collecting some "very good evidence" at both the school and his mother's house to determine his motives.

President Barack Obama addressed the nation yesterday, with tears in his eyes, as he spoke about the children and educators that died. "They had their entire lives ahead of them: birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own…We're going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of politics."

With Christmas fast approaching, I can’t help but think about the parents that must look at the gifts their deceased children will never open.  They will plan funeral arrangements instead of enjoying a celebratory holiday gathering.  What heartbreak.  

Please keep the residents of Newtown in your hearts and prayers.  As the shooter’s story unfolds in the next few weeks, remember the flags at half-staff and the number of vigils being held at houses of worship in Newtown.  And if you don’t do anything else, hug your family and let them know how thankful you are to share Christmas with them this year.

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