WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 14: Julie Henson of San Francisco...

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 14: Julie Henson of San Francisco joins other people outside the White House to participate in a candle light vigil to remember the victims at the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14, 2012 in Washington, DC. According to reports, there are about 27 dead, 20 children, after a gunman opened fire in at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. The shooter was also killed. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Alex Wong

Facebook status updates of parent-friends say it all today.

“Speechless.”

“Where is God when all of this is happening?”

“Every time I put my daughter on that bus I worry until the moment she comes home because this is the world we are living in.”

Some of us are lighting candles on our front stoop. Some of us are starting gun control groups. Others are thankful that their children have not yet noticed the news. One is cursing the alleged gunman. Many are praying. Most are crying.

And one friend sums up what all of us parents will be doing within the next few hours, including this mother of a 9-year-old. He put up a photo of his son and another of his daughter, with this message: “These two are getting extra big hugs tonight. Never letting go.”

Unfortunately we will have to let go at some point, and that is the scariest part of being a parent. Little did the parents of the children fatally shot today in Connecticut know this morning that they would never see their sons and daughters again.
 

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