Photo: Emily Rose Bennett, Augusta Chronicle

Yesterday morning as I sat in this same chair, looking out the window at an equally beautiful bright blue sky, only 1/2 hour away havoc was being unleashed on a nearby elementary school leaving 26 people dead, including 20 children, in the worst school shooting in this country’s history.

Yesterday’s sky was not unlike the one I enjoyed on 911 right before I heard that horrible news. And like 911, texts, emails, and calls came in to me all day yesterday from near and far. Everyone wanted to know the same thing: why? And although the tragedy occurred close to my home, it’s a tragedy that, for everyone, hits too close to home. We’ve asked too many times before, and I suspect we will all continue to ask too many times more, how something this horrific could ever happen. At this very sad time, I don’t want to engage in political debate–that can come later. Right now I only want to share my deep feelings of sadness with the Newtown families, community, and the world.

A memorial fund has been established for the families and community effected by the December 14, 2012 shootings at Sandy Hook elementary school.

You may visit the website or send contributions to:

Sandy Hook School Support Fund
c/o Newtown Savings Bank
39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470
To donate online: https://newtown.uwwesternct.org

If you are unable to contribute funds, you can send a message of love, support and encouragement.