Hal Stedman and the Chicago Corgi Crew

Angels, heroes and dogs...

December 14th, 2012. Again a town, a state, a county and the world is stunned and it's not the first time. I sincerely hope to one is getting used to this. I was listening too CNN when they announced how many innocent lives were taken and I gasped loudly and cried. We all know what happened so I won't go into it.

December 16th, 2012. A town, a state, a country and the world starts the mourning process will a prayer service from Newtown, Ct. for the victims the Sandy Hook shooting victims.

I mentioned last night on Facebook, as I was watching the prayer vigil from Newtown, that a CNN reporter outside the church was interviewing a gentleman from Chicago who had come down with his service/petting dogs http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-local-comfort-dogs-taken-to-connecticut-after-school-massacre-20121216,0,7533873.story and how the mourners outside the church flocked to them. He asked a little boy who was petting one how he felt and the little boy said "better", people were smiling and the dogs were throwing out love that even made me smile. How great dogs are, pure love, healing souls. The American Red Cross in addition to handing out food, water and blankets to those waiting to enter the church on this very cold and wet day, also handed out toys, stuffed dogs that looked just like the service dogs. It wasn't planned. The service dogs segment touched me deeply. Here was a mass of people stunned to the core by unfathomable horror and dogs appear, wearing vests that say 'pet me' and they did. This was not the first time the dogs had appeared at an event where tragedy reared it's ugly head.

But not to take away from the prayer vigil, which was a beautiful start to the grieving process. Like President Obama said "these were every one's children."

In front of the Presidential podium on stage were 26 glasses, each with a lit votive candle. Very simple. Very powerful. The audience filled with families, with children (and some adults) waving when they saw themselves on camera. There were blocks of seats empty as the pianist started softly playing music. The audience rose to their feet as the first responders entered and it was very emotional. Lots of heartfelt tears from the audience and the first responders. CNN was telling us over and over again the service would start in 2 minutes, but it didn't because President Obama was still with the families. Some very touching photos all over the Internet of that meeting. The families, state politicians and clergy take their seats. The President enters to a standing ovation and he immediately sits down.

Quite a few religious leaders took the podium to speak. Many denominations. I don't remember any of the names of these very eloquent speakers, but some of them are stuck in my head, like the Rabbi who sang his Memorial prayer. I didn't understand the words, but is quivering, beautiful voice brought tears to my eyes as he prayed. There was the Methodist Minister with butterfllies on his vestments. The tall gentleman who prayed with his eyes closed as he spoke from his heart. The little Muslim boy who sang/chanted his prayer.

Then  Governor of Connecticut, Dan Malloy spoke. The thanked the world for the support and said the community will carry on. He then introduced President Obama, who's touching and direct speech is all over the Internet also. I will only touch on the two lighter moments of his remarks and I'm paraphrasing here. He mentioned how the children did exactly what they were told as the sometimes do. Then he spoke of the bravery of a little boy who told his teacher that he knew karate and he would lead them out to safety. These remarks brought smiles and laughter to the mourners.

It was at this time my night time meds. started kicking in so I went to bed.

This particular blog is not political. I am not making a statement on gun control, and I may not. I've seen so much divisiveness on this subject already. With both sides making excellent points. I know what I support and what I don't and all the nasty arguing will not sway my feelings. Luckily the posts on MY Facebook page were civil.

Right now I can't stop thinking of those 20 precious little angels. I can't stop thinking out the courage of the 6 adults who died trying to save those angels. I can't stop thinking about the survivors, all ages, and I pray they can find some peace. How can we not help but think of the first responders. We will NEVER fully understand or fathom what horror they saw. How they still did their job. Peace be yours brothers and sisters. Lastly, I'd like to acknowledge the mother of the killer. Her tragic death wasn't included in the services last night.

Peace Out, Homies!