The Day After
As many of us have been doing for the past 48 hours, I too have been trying to cope with the tragic events that surround yesterday. Unlike a lot of you, this happened in my hometown. Yes, I've made that statement a thousand times before, and I have no problem with stating it a thousand times more. It isn't to try and get more remorse from the situation than others or to say that I'm more "special" than everyone but because I'll be damned if I say that I'm not proud to be from Newtown, CT. We had a tight-knit community before and now we are even more tight-knit than ever. It's interesting how tragedy can bring a community together; the unfortunate side is that has to happen in order for it to be. But in my opinion, the silver lining is that we're all getting comfort from near and far and knowing that we will rebuild our lives.
Tonight I visited Newtown. I knew what to expect when I got there. But the entire feel of the town overwhelmed me. The drive though was something that I needed to do; it is my hometown after all. And like many, I had the right to be there to pay my respects. I learned today that President Obama will be coming to Newtown to talk to victims parents and help in any way possible. Though I will not be there for his visit (I unfortunately have to work tomorrow night), I know deep down that solace will be found a little bit more knowing that a nation (and the world for that matter) will be thinking and praying for our little town. We all know quite clearly that the following days, weeks, months, and possibly even years will bring struggle to everyone to try and find some sort of normalcy in life again. But I don't think that something so terrible should rip us apart; rather, it should bring us all more close together to help one another get through it all. Tonight, while in town, I saw that firsthand and will remember it for the rest of my life.
What made me glad (in some sense of the word) was to be able to visit my old elementary school. Downtown Sandy Hook center was something I've never seen: amongst all the traffic, the only thing anyone heard was the quiet humming of the news vehicles that lined the streets. And taking the near quarter mile walk up Riverside Drive to the entrance of Sandy Hook Elementary School was like one I've never made before -- much like I expect from all the people doing the same thing. There's a crest in the hill, one that blocks out the view of the fire department and the entrance of the school, where my heart dropped. Not knowing what to expect, I was overcome with an extraordinary sensation of pride and wonder. It felt right -- after all, curiosity does often get the best of us. But what I saw next was nothing I could prepare myself for.
I'd be lying if I said here that I didn't cry. In fact, I cried on the walk to the school, at the school, on the walk back into downtown, and then again for 10 minutes sitting in my car. The shear magnitude knowing that something so tragic happened in Newtown, where many people agree is the LAST place this was to be expected, is something that no one can ever describe. The only words uttered at what is now being called "a holy ground" from local churches are that of news media recording reports. What was once a peaceful town that two days ago was only known as "the town right next door to Danbury" has been ripped apart by violence and tears. And although Newtown is much more than a now household name (If you have the time to, I highly recommend reading the post "Did This Really Happen in My Elementary School?". It's fantastic, and really gives a good insight to who us Newtowners are!) my friends, family, and neighbors alike who grew up or moved here is always going to remember how we are.
On a side note, I have heard more than whispers that the Westboro Baptist Church will be paying a visit to picket in Newtown. Freedom of Speech or not, I don't think this is the time nor the place to be doing this (I do condemn the fact that they do so elsewhere, too). As a Newtowner, I feel as though mourning needs to continue and doing so alongside the nation and the world will make us stronger than the WBC and know 110% that everyone involved -- directly or not -- will rise to the occasion and make it through this with flying colors.
As I leave you, please know that I speak for all of the residents of Newtown when I say thank you for praying for our town, for being alongside us, and showing the up-most respect, condolences, and support for a town that was once unknown to the majority of the world. I love you all, and may God bless each and every one of us.
Should you be moved to sign the online sympathy card, you may do so here.