I think most of us know what happened today. The tragedy of someone going into the small school of K-4th graders in CT and opening fire. 18 children gone, 8 adults.

The lump in my throat grew, and I thought I was going to get physically ill.
I do not live in CT and do not know any of these families. It hits a little too close to home either way. I am the mother of a kindergartener who was at school at the same time that this happened. It could have been her school, just as it could have been any other school.

My heart hurts for the families and innocent children who lost their lives. As I sit here and fight back my tears, it makes me realize even more how much life is not a guarantee, and it can be taken away so quickly. I think about how I have no idea how I would ever function again if something happened to my child. She is my life, my meaning, and my purpose.

I know one thing. I will be giving my daughter the biggest hug of her life when she gets home from school. Fortunately, I can still have the great pleasure in life of giving my child a hug. I don't think there will ever be another hug with my child where I won't be remembering the children lost today.