I had lots of Christmas baking posts to publish this week, but like everyone else, I just can’t get Newtown out of my mind. I have cried on and off all day since Friday. I just keep wondering, WHY Newtown? How could something like this happen there?
You see, if it was Waterbury or Bridgeport, I could wrap my head around that, perhaps. But Newtown? When folks would call into our office, I use to have to explain to people where Newtown was – how to get there. And Sandy Hook? A teeny tiny part of Newtown, even less people knew about that.
If you read any of the obituaries, you probably noticed that a lot of the babies hadn’t lived in Newtown their whole life. One was born in England, and others were from all across the country. You see, Newtown is the type of place that children come for summer camp and their parents fall in love with it and decide that’s where they want to plant their family. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. A lot of residents actually work and commute to NYC every day, but choose Newtown as “home”. Why? Because it’s Newtown.
The town with a 100 foot flagpole dead in the middle of Main Street. It’s been there since 1876. It replaced wooden ones that use to stand there. THE Pole, as it’s known, is all that Newtown use to be known for. Until last Friday.
It’s a quiet town. Everyone knows everyone, especially the natives. They meet at the parks and ice cream shop, or out on the river, where we spent most of our time away from work at.
Like most of Connecticut, it’s known for it’s old homes and amazing New England churches.
Where the community gathers at the “meeting house”, adorned with Newtown’s emblem: The Rooster.
Where weddings are held and photos are taken at Ram Pasture.
Where you can still purchase sandwiches at the General Store.
Where there’s no chain restaurants and in their place stand authentic Mexican, where she will begin to recognize you and know your order when she sees your face.
Where you can still catch $2.00 movies at the Town Hall.
THAT is Newtown… But now, it is known all over the globe for the most horrific shooting in US History. And it’s December grounds are covered in media and memorials. My best friend went to add angels to the 26 trees someone donated and sent me these pictures yesterday. I can’t quit looking at them – wanted to share.
(under that right tree it says, “sleep in Heavenly peace”… and I cry every time I catch it”
It just makes me sick… BUT, Newtown is STRONG!!!! They are a true community! This will NOT define them. The good things that are coming from this already are absolutely incredible.
For instance, “We Are Newtown” shared this last night
They are challenging everyone to JUST BE KIND!!! Are YOU in?
Don’t forget, you can help give to the survivors here!
I wanted to share this, too…. Jaima, a writer for Simple Homeschooling wrote this article about Newtown, where she also resides.
Also, here is today’s Special Edition of the Newtown Bee, one of the oldest newspapers in the state…
I accomplished my first act of kindness out of 26 tonight!
Wow – do you live there? I’m so sad about this tragedy!
Why Newtown? Why anywhere in this country? America needs to wake up and realize that there is obviously something terribly wrong with what we’re doing. Those poor children should be able to live!!! Even though I don’t live there, I’ve cried over and over. It could have been my children! My oldest is only 5 years old. These shootings are happening way too often! Wake up America! Wake up church and turn back to God. It’s only going to get worse if we don’t and then we’re under the penalty of His wrath. Gun control isn’t going to fix the problem!