Yesterday, I noticed the lovely remembrances only by titles. I have read most of the diarists for years here and thus believe that they are amazingly empathetic good people. I couldn't read any of their heartfelt condolences. I also couldn't turn on the radio for the inevitable. I'm writing today to say that, unless we are one of those family members, friends, community who actually lost children, teachers, a woman no one seems to include -- Mrs. Lanza -- then we aren't Newtown.
I'm a Nutmegger. I felt this tragedy as powerfully as the rest of the world who wasn't intimately related. We were and are still shocked by the violence. But today as yesterday, most of us are not Newtown because we are not bearing the always immediate loss of a face, a voice, a laugh. Most of us will not know the impossibility of forgetting the moment rather than an anniversary.
Already, the world has moved on waiting for the next tragedy or scandal. The families, friends and community of Sandy Hook won't move on. I honestly can't claim to be them. Those who lost the greatest loss understand we want to share their pain as a means of comfort. But we really don't share their pain. We do want to comfort.
I spent yesterday working but also thinking of those whom I pass every single day -- sad souls, lost souls. I try to say hello but many times just pass by. How many hurt people do we miss every single day who could use one bit of kindness in a lifetime of pain? Would a kindness make a difference? We don't know but it costs us nothing.
There is no reason for my having written this post except to say that today is tomorrow for an anniversary -- and today is an endless agony for so many but not all of us.
Peace and blessings for all who are part of the always now. Peace and blessings for all who care for the heartache of strangers.