I wrote this column eight years ago on a day that shocked America. Sadly, we are no longer shocked by events such as the one that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Oh, we say we are but the sad reality is nothing has changed since that fateful day and there is – after all of the political bullshit, finger pointing and name calling – a reason nothing will ever change. We have become a society obsessed with one word.
Twenty little children went to school today. Their biggest concern when they got there was thinking about who they would play with at recess.
Recess never arrived.
And now that girl with the freckles will never have the chance to go to the prom with the little guy in the front row; you know, the one missing a front tooth.
The body of a little boy who wanted nothing more than to be a policeman when he grew up, had his body covered with a sheet by a man in blue. The child who thought policemen weren’t afraid of anything never realized they cry.
Recess never arrived.
Who sang the best at last night’s winter concert? Who goofed up? The time to discuss that, amidst all the giggles, would come at recess.
Recess never arrived.
Twenty extraordinary children – and every child is extraordinary in their own beautiful way – died today. I don’t know why it happened and neither do you. There will be an endless stream of speculation but the reality is only one person knew and he is gone.
But I do know this: This country has a fascination with the word H-A-T-E. If you don’t agree with someone’s opinion, you are automatically a “hater”. You see it everywhere; in online comment sections and it is the standard response on Facebook. If you don’t like President Obama, Democrats will claim you’re a hater. If you weren’t a Mitt Romney supporter, Republicans labeled you as a hater. If you are a Red Sox fan, it’s a given that Yankee fans will dismiss you as a hater and vice versa. That word, that despicable word, is so casually tossed around we have become numb to it.
Somewhere deep inside the mind of an obviously troubled individual, that word festered and grew into an uncontrollable rage. Authorities will attempt to dig deep into his psyche but no matter what they discover, one inescapable truth will remain.
For twenty innocent children – kids who hadn’t learned the ugly meaning of hate – recess never arrived.
Well done, Ray. Feelings are often difficult to express in mere words but I think you were able to push past that and express the sad reality quite eloquently. To lose a child must be beyond any comparasion. I know those innocent children are at peace and pray for their parents who are still dealing with their loss. No recess indeed.
Thank you, Don. I remember so well how angry I was that day. The senseless slaughter broke my heart but I did try to push past the anger and heartbreak to write what I hoped could be a wake up call. You’re right, those innocent children and brave teachers are at rest but it saddens me that America is not.
Such a sad day Ray!! Well spoken!! Hate will be the end of us!! Love seems lost somedays yet I still will look for the best in all of us!! Yiu are so right Ray America needs to wake up!!
Thank you, Fred.
We HAVE to keep looking for the best in all of us. It’s hiding in there somewhere, I just know it!
I remember ………. was a shock (understatement) and such a sad tragic day!! The hate in this world is mind blowing and seems to grow! I will not let hate win in my heart! There is beauty all around us which is what I chose to share! I know all these angels are at peace and their families and our nation are here to live with the memories!
Thank you, Penny.
We must never let the hate win.
When bad things happen I always wonder why. Why would someone hate so much that killing innocents is the right thing to do. Why does God allow these things to happen? Why the babies, the pure? Why can’t we all realize we are in this together and love is all that matters.
Your words were/are profound. I wish this was the end of such sadness and hate but it seems to grow more everyday. And I am still asking WHY?
Donna, it looks like we’ll be asking WHY for a long, long time. The anger in society grows and grows.