Prayers for Newtown

The events of December 14^th are indescribably horrific. I keep thinking we’re all just supposed to wake up from this massive nightmare any second. This morning, when sorting through the many news articles concerning Sandy Hook, I was profoundly moved by the following excerpt (taken from this article on CNN.com):

Grace McDonnell would write messages for her mother in the bathroom window. On the first day without Grace, the bathroom fogged up and mom glanced at the window. And right there was a message from beyond the grave. The little girl had drawn the peace sign, her favorite symbol. Above it was a heart with the words: "Grace, Mom."

 Grace McDonnell was amongst the young victims that day. As 2013 approaches, I resolve to keep Grace’s message and spirit, as well as the 25 other victims, their families, and the heroes of Newtown, in my thoughts and prayers. May 2013 bring peace, kindness, empathy, and friendship back into this world- where the simple  idea of valuing love over hate seems to have gone astray.