Prayers for Newtown - Kathy Caprino

Prayers for Newtown Image Courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Like the rest of the world, I am completely heartbroken and devastated for my Connecticut neighbors in Newtown. As time unfolds and we try to make sense of this excruciatingly painful tragedy, so many of us (including me) are desperately searching for answers. But I believe that what is needed most right in this moment is to muster all the love, courage, compassion, and comforting prayers and thoughts we can to offer a loving hand, open heart and healing spirit to ALL those whose lives have been torn apart. Those of us who are watching from the outside want to race to fight causes, attack the wrong-doers, change policies and laws, blame others, yell and scream for justice because were hurting too, and I understand that. And blame makes us feel (temporarily) less terrified and anxious. But from my way of thinking, right now whats most important is to send deep healing energy and all the love, prayers, compassion, and care we can find in our hearts to this community that has been forever altered.   The time for answers (as close as we can get to any) will come. Im listing below some helpful resources that Dr. Brené Brown has shared in her recent post, for talking to children about violence and death: The American Academy of Pediatrics on School Shootings University of Minnesota on Talking to Kids About Violence Against Kids National Association of School Psychologists on Talking to Children About Violence   One of the best articles on talking to children about death (by Hospice) Explaining the news to our kids from Common Sense Media. And this beautiful advice from Mr. Rogers (shared by Angel Marie): When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping. To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mothers words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers â€" so many caring people in this world. Pray for the families, the helpers, the first-responders, for all our Newtown neighbors, and for the world. Sending my deepest love and prayers to you.