Tragedy in Newtown, Conn., is our tragedy in Newtown, Pa.
Few times before has a tragedy so many miles away hit so close to home. I just keep thinking about all those unwrapped gifts, all those memories that won’t be made this Christmas season in Newtown, Conn. Our hearts ache with sorrow for the friends, families and relatives of the victims who have lost so much. , fiUsW OHaUnHd aEouW WhH shooWLng aW a NHwWown HOHPHnWaUy school from a newsfeed that scrolled across our website. I couldn’t move. I was frozen - my heart sickened with grief and pain. “How could this happen? How could this happen??” I asked myself over and over again.
As quickly as those thoughts and feelings swept over me in an emotional tsunami, they turned to sudden relief as I realized it wasn’t “our” Newtown they were talking about.
I’m wondering how many others in “our” Newtown went through the same emotional swing, enough to stop anyone dead in their tracks, take a deep breath and seek composure.
That initial moment, when I thought this tragedy had taken place in our community and then my sudden relief when I realized it wasn’t here, will forever haunt my soul.
Why did I feel relief the second I heard that this tragedy had taken place in the “other” Newtown?
Truth is, there is no relief, not from a tragedy like this that permeates through us like the biting cold of a stiff northwest wind, making us sit up and realize that it could just have easily happen here, in “our” Newtown, to our principal, to our teachers, to our children.
Like President Obama said, we’re all holding our love ones just a little closer today than we did before this tragedy unfolded.
No doubt that initial feeling of shock that paralyzed me - if only for a brief instant - is what the residents of Newtown, Conn. must have felt as they too saw the news scroll across their smart phones and computer screens. Only for them, there is no instant relief, no solace – just pain, anguish and unanswered questions that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
Unless you’ve lost someone close to you in tragic circumstances, it’s hard to grasp the deep sadness, the emptiness they are feeling in their hearts today – and just weeks before one of the joyous seasons of the year. There will be many subdued family gatherings this year in Newtown, Conn., and plenty of gifts under the tree that will remain unspoken for.
We weep for them in Newtown, Conn., just as they would weep for us in Newtown, Pa., if the tragedy had happened here. Our prayers, our heartfelt sorrow are with them as they struggle through a senseless tragedy.
In Newtown, Pa., we grieve their loss just like it was our own.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks to everyone who was involved in organizing the very meaningful gathering on Sunday night. It was just what the community needed.
A message from Chief Ken Coluzzi
With the arrival of the holiday season, I would like to recognize all the dedicated volunteers and residents who serve us each day through our Neighborhood Watch Program. Each of you care for this community by working vigilantly to keep us all safe.
I am delighted to see how much our town watch program has grown over the years. I am also very grateful to have our residents’ input and support to help make Lower 0aNHfiHOd TownshLS a gUHaW SOaFH Wo OLYH.
My gratitude also goes out to the members of the LowHU 0aNHfiHOd EPHUgHnFy 0anagHPHnW CoPPLWWHH. You are willing to mobilize at a moment’s notice to help us get through tough times. Thank you for helping us during the many storm-related events over the years.
I wish you all peace and security in your lives and many years of happiness ahead. Happy holidays! Ken Coluzzi is the chief of police in Lower Makefield