December 14, 2012. I remember sitting in Mr. Fischer’s eighth grade American History class when he broke the news. There was a school shooting. At first, I didn’t think much of it, as I was more concerned with finishing my study guide. But when I got home from school that night, and when I saw the 20 faces of the six-and-seven-year-olds flash across the news screen. When I learned that 26 people were killed. When I saw the reactions of the parents. That’s when I felt my heart drop in my stomach.
I remember my dad say that their parents had probably already bought their Christmas gifts. I just remember scrolling through their pictures with tears welling in my eyes. There are days you’ll never forget. It’s been four years since the Sandy Hook school shooting, but I will never forget these victims and their families.
I didn’t know any of these people. I had never heard of Newtown, Conn., before that day. Yet, I still can’t shake it. It’s just a reminder for me to make the most of each moment I have with my family. Because it could have been me. This could have happened to me.
This year these students would have been in fourth grade. They would have been celebrating their milestone birthday of ten this year. They never had a chance to experience all of life’s gifts.
Each year, this day is a reminder to cherish each and every moment of life. It is a reminder to live life in the pursuit of bettering others. While we have the pressures of finals coming up, it’s important to keep things in perspective. While we may think doing poorly on a math test is the end of the world, just keep in mind that their are people who are going through a lot worse.
This time of the year is not about buying gifts. It’s not about Santa Claus or Frosty the Snowman. It’s all about taking a step back from yourself, and paying notice to the struggles of those around you.
Four years ago, 20 six-year-old children lost their lives on a typical school day. Eleven days before Christmas. During the holiday seasons, and just in general, we need to be aware of those around us. We need to show love and support to our fellow man. We may not remember all of the names of those that were lost at Sandy Hook, but we will never forget the pain they’re deaths had on our country. We can never forget the value that these people had.