Friday, December 14, 2012

We continue.


Today, December 14, 2012 is a very sad day in the history of the United States.  In the town of Newtown, Connecticut, a young man walked into Sandy Hook elementary school and opened fire in a kindergarten class, killing children and going on to kill several adults throughout the school.  He also committed murder at a separate location. As of a few minutes ago, the death toll had reached 20 children and six adults dead.

Social media swept the story across the world in mere seconds, giving rise to typical and inevitable accusations, theories and debates.  I experienced a true level of frustration at the fact that the debating and arguing began before those slain have even been given over to their families to begin the mourning process.  I find that part of the whole thing to be shameful, distasteful and disrespectful to the memories of the ones slain and to the integrity of the surviving loved ones.  Now is not the time to raise squabbling and ranting about gun control, or how the United States should be able to manage this type of insanity more efficiently.

So, how do we get through this type of tragedy, when it is so overwhelming and so senseless?  It tears at the heart in a particularly piercing manner to know that 20 wee lives were extinguished.  Young ones who had their whole lives ahead of them, going to school, innocent and deserving of protection and an inalienable sense of safety.  Six adult lives extinguished who performed a noble task daily, teaching young ones and stewarding them through each calendar year.  It is beyond human ability to comprehend, to absorb.  Yet, we do it, somehow.

We do keep living through the trauma moments, as well as the fallout and recovery of it all.  Through the doing of what needs to be done, we keep living through it.

There is also a level of Grace that occurs in the midst of this type of trauma.  We shift into a level of auto-pilot reality where we are somewhat removed from our bodies and emotions.  It's a protective mechanism, what shock does to our body and our mind, our reasoning.  I can clearly recall the thoughts that run through my mind at such a moment, when I have been faced with a tragedy of such enormous proportions that have stretched my ability to respond.

*Please know that these thoughts are not meant to undermine, or compare to, the incredible grief that the families of the ones slain today in Connecticut are experiencing.*:

"This can't be happening."  And I keep living through it.

"This isn't real."  And I keep living through it.

"I don't know how I'm going to do this."  And I keep living through it.

"I don't think I can do this." And I keep living through it.

"I can't believe I'm doing this."  And I keep living through it.

"This doesn't seem real, now that I'm doing it."  And I keep living through it.

"I can't believe I made it through that." And I keep living after I've done it.

"I don't know how I got through that." And I keep living after I've done it.

"I don't know how I'm going to keep living, now - the pain is still so overwhelming."  And I keep living through it.

"Looking back, I have no idea how I did everything that needed doing during that time."  And I keep living.

This is the unquestionable beauty of the human spirit, that we continue.  Despite all manner of crippling tragedy, we continue.  These human forms that house our Spirit slip into a mechanical state to allow us a buffer, and this is how we continue.  In a numbed state, on automatic pilot, guided by the kindness and love of those around us, if we're fortunate and blessed.  Lifted up by the equal kindness of complete strangers.  A simple touch, or a smile, or a task done without our asking.  A quiet moment where we are received and embraced and allowed to be in our raw grief without judgment.

In the coming days, more details will surface as to the motives of the young man who committed this unspeakable crime.  Endless debates about gun control will reign ad infinitum.  Discussion about mental health and the failings of our healthcare system will also jockey for position in the media.  Sensationalism, unfortunately, will also race at the head of the pack, spewing out needless details that do dishonor to the name of the media.

For now, in my opinion, it is a time to look to what...to who...is most precious to each of us.  If you are reading this and you are safe, secure, well fed, reasonably healthy, have a roof over your head and you are loved, take a moment to dwell in prayer, if you are so inclined.  Pray for the lives cut short today; pray for their loved ones as they navigate the unthinkable process of accepting what has occurred.  Pray for the young man who was so lost and confused, filled with unexplained rage to the degree that he chose this action.  Just pray.  Love the ones who mean the most to you.

Speak your love to them daily, because the one sure truth that we know is that tomorrow is not promised to any of us.

Speak your love, while you are given the blessing of time to do so.




22 comments:

  1. Excellent post, Dawnie. Couldn't have said it better myself.

    There are no words, so I'll just send you (and everybody else) love instead.

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    1. I love you, Dave. There must have been one of those time warps you and I experience occasionally, because I had barely posted this and what seemed like seconds later, you had read, commented and shared it. Those mysterious ways in action.

      Thank you, my friend, for your outpouring of love. <3

      - Dawnie

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  2. Dawn, thanks so much for these comforting words. I had a busy day which allowed for me not to be plugged in to the news or social media much, but as soon as my business was done the thoughts were right back in my mind. I feel heavy and sad. I have been praying in my mind all day and will continue.

    Sending as much love and light as I can to all who were affected. God bless us all.

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    1. Tameka, it does carry a ponderous weight, this day's events. I am dwelling in as much mindful prayer as I can manage. It is such a jagged wound that it's difficult to touch it directly, so I withdraw into love, healing and prayer.

      And I repeat your benediction:

      God bless us all.

      - Dawnie

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  3. Beautifully stated I am always left without words. I do not understand. Thank you for this post.

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    1. Brenda, I didn't know what else to do but write. When my heart is in turmoil and nothing makes sense, writing sometimes pulls my thoughts together. I don't know that I accomplished much here today other than to distract myself for a time. If this article has given you and anyone else a moment of surcease, then I am happy for that.

      Blessings to you as you find a way to settle your heart.

      - Dawn

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  4. Dawn, you have certainly fulfilled the promise of "Healing Morning" in posting this today. Indeed, what a heart-breaking shock this has been to the nation and the world. A shock for which we all need to be in prayer for healing of all the families affected, and for our country.
    I cant' help but wonder the difference in this tragic outcome had one teacher or the principal had a concealed weapons permit and could have confronted the perpetrator. Maybe, those precious little ones could have been home for Christmas . . .
    My heart is breaking . . .

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    1. Martha, I don't disagree with you about teachers being granted the ability to carry concealed weapons on the job. It would very possibly have changed the outcome today. We haven't gotten there yet and I don't know if we will. We can hope & pray that some rational though goes into that premise.

      For now, I stand in prayer and send healing to all of those affected.

      Much love to you, dear one. I hope that what I shared here gave you a small moment of peace.

      Blessings,

      Dawnie

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  5. I can only send prayers, love and hugs across ether. And, I just got to know this. Sad. God be with you.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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    1. Susan, love and prayers are deeply needed and your wonderful heart is appreciated.

      Blessings to you, my friend.

      - Dawn

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  6. Hey Dawnie.. I am saddened to hear about the tragic incident.. May the souls of children and adults rest in piece.. God has given us this rare ability to get through tragic phases though such tragic phases do leave a scar in our psyche. You are absolutely right in saying that we got to cherish whatever we have today by grace of God as tomorrow is not promised to any of us. At such moment of tragedy and insanity, the best we can do is pray.. for those who suffered, for one who committed this horrendous crime, for our loved ones, for everyone.

    Thanks for sharing such nice thoughts with us..

    May God be with you always, my friend.

    Take Care

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    1. Deepak, thank you for your kind heart and beautiful thoughts. This sad event has scarred our country. I mentioned in a thread on FB earlier tonight that it feels as though the whole world has held its breath in sadness. Everything is that deep, still level of quiet that grief brings. Blanketed in an absence of sound.

      I appreciate you extending your heart in prayer for all who perished, including the lost young man who perpetrated the crime. He was incredibly lost to have done such a horrific thing.

      Yes, the best we can do is pray. Hold one another close. Appreciate the blessings we have, and find a way to heal, collectively.

      God be with you in return, honey.

      - Dawnie

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  7. This is so beautifully said. You have said it a, love to you my dear. Prayers as always for all my cyber friends and gratitude too for the love you show in your words. <3

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    1. Jan, your own words are healing and beautiful. This outpouring of love and prayer is so needed, and will continue to be needed in the coming days for these families.

      I offer you love and gratitude in return, my friend.

      - Dawn

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  8. My prayers and thoughts are with all these family and people that have been touched by this tragedy. How this saddens me that anyone has to go through this horrific circumstances.

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    1. Launna, it is challenging to wrap our minds around. I think we all are in a lesser state of Grace where our minds are wrapping us in a protective barrier against the horror of it all. I join you in continued prayer, healing energy and Light for all these families, and for our whole country.

      Blessings,

      Dawn

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  9. I live in CT and this whole state rings hollow with grief. Sorrow permeates the atmosphere. What happened was inconceivable and truly horrific.

    It does cause those of us that have children, and those that don't, to hug those we love a little longer, savor each shared smile a little longer, because it is a painful reminder at the frailty and impermanence of life.

    Thank you for this post.

    Much love,
    Jessica

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    1. Jessica, I believe it was a post on your FB wall that had me turning on the TV to find out what was going on. I was deep in client writing & had music on as background noise.

      I know that my knee jerk reaction was to pick up the phone and begin calling the people I love the most. I just needed to hear their voices.

      I agree with you that sorrow is tangible across the country; the world, for that matter. I don't know that we as a collective group in this country will ever fully recover from this blow. The families who lost loved ones, oh my word, it is beyond comprehension what they are living through. My own personal challenges prompted me to write this in an effort to offer some sort of compassion, some level of comfort and peace. I don't know if I accomplished that; nothing any of us write can ever do more than offer slight moments of surcease. My prayers and love continue to go out to all involved.

      Thank you for visiting, sweetheart. Living right there so close to this event, I know that you are feeling the intensity that much more.

      Love to you,

      Dawn

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  10. It is truly heartbreaking. We manage to get through the difficult times, through the grace and healing power of God. May He comfort all those, that were affected by this sad and horrific tragedy.

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    1. Lisa Marie, thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughts on this very sad event.

      Blessings to you.

      - Dawn

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  11. This is a beautiful post Dawn. This tragedy has left us fearful and sick. I pray for God's grace to carry the families and our country toward healing and love. Your words were perfect sweet sister. Thank you for sharing them.
    Love and blessings my sister.
    -Leah

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    1. Leah, now that we are several days beyond the initial shock and horror of the event, it still makes no sense. Sadness continues to reign. I do see a great deal of beauty, the world over, being showered down from truly compassionate, sincere and equally beautiful hearts. That lifts my heart, and I hope that it goes some small measure towards providing a wee bit of surcease to these families.

      Thank you for visiting, reading & sharing your thoughts. I love you, my Leah. <3

      - Dawnie

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