Since That Day...you know the one--the one that took my breath away, made me think I heard it all wrong, the one that for the first time TRULY made me question what kind of world we live in--well since then I've been wondering what to do here, with this blog. I certainly couldn't come on here and NOT speak of it. But what can I say? What can I say that will be different than everyone else? I have visions of being so eloquent and saying wonderful things and getting it all right, but instead I am just going to do the best I can.

The thing about Friday? It isn't about "us" and "them", because there is no reason we weren't them. That's the part that makes this so hard for everyone, not just the Newtown community. Those 20 kids could have been our kids. Those 6 women could have been our moms, sisters, wives, girlfriends (and soon to be fiancees). Having it be in our tiny state drives that fact home even more.

I'm "okay" if I think about that day in the abstract. As soon as I put myself in those moms shoes...it takes a lot to keep it together...and I cannot think of ONE thing any single person could do that would make anything feel better.

I think that that is where I struggle. I want, NEED even, to do something to make it a little bit better for those families, that community. So, I am going to do the best I can.

My cousin lives in Newtown with his wife and fifth-grade son. While I am so grateful that they were not directly involved in the events, they are far from untouched. He has been posting legitimate ways to help the community (as opposed to the frauds out there). The only thing I can think to do with this platform I have is to share them with you.

1. Two of the boys, Chase Kowalski and Benjamin Wheeler were part of the same Cub Scout Pack 170. Also in the same pack were the siblings of Caroline Previdi, Catherine Hubbard, and Dylan Hockley. The Pack 170 has set up a Memorial Fund to support the five families. Checks can be made out to "Pack 170". They are also accepting cards and letters for the families to the same address:

Pack 170

c/o The Connecticut Yankee Council

PO Box 32

Milford, CT 06461

2. "Give Sandy Hook School A Winter Wonderland" Snowflake Drive

Like our children, no two snowflakes are alike. We invite you to create snowflakes to decorate Sandy Hook School's new home. Be creative! All colors and designs are welcome. We know that children will enjoy creating art that can adorn the walls of SHS's new elementary school. CT PTSA has been contacted from schools across the state and this is a project we can all share. "Snowflake" drop boxes will be available at all schools or can be mailed to: Connecticut PTSA, 60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103, Hamden, CT 06514, by January 12, 2013.

3. Connecticut PTSA Sandy Hook Fund

Donations are being accepted indefinitely to the: "Connecticut PTSA Sandy Hook Fund" to support the ongoing needs of the Sandy Hook Community. Send checks to "Connecticut PTSA, 60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103, Hamden, CT 06514. newtownboe@gmail.com

For questions or to reach anyone at Sandy Hook PTA, please email us at sandyhook@ctpta.org. The Newtown community has requested monetary contributions, but we do know there may be service and product donations that will be offered. For service or product inquiries, please contact

4. Newtown Savings Bank Sandy Hook School Support Fund

In order to provide support services to the families and community of Newtown in light of the tragedy at Sandy Hook School, Friday, December 14, United Way of Western Connecticut in partnership with Newtown Savings Bank has created the Sandy Hook School Support Fund. Check donations to underwrite support services, immediate needs and funeral expenses for the immediate families of victims can be mailed to: Sandy Hook School Support Fund c/o Newtown Savings Bank 39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470

Credit Card donations can also be made at:https://newtown.uwwesternct.org/

If I am told of more ways to help, I will post them in the comments.

For Charlotte, Daniel, Rachel, Olivia, Josephine, and Ana. For Dylan, Dawn, Madeleine, Catherine, Chase, Jesse and James. For Grace, Anne, Emilie, Jack, Noah and Caroline. For Jessica, Avielle, Lauren, Mary, Victoria, Benjamin and Allison.