I Cannot Imagine

I cannot imagine sending my little one off to school one morning….and not having him return home.

school bus 4-2-2005 4-34-20 PM 4-2-2005 4-34-20 PM

I cannot imagine such a heartbreaking, abrupt end to childhood birthday parties,

marshalls 7th bd

And snaggle-toothed school pictures,

marshall school pic

And sleepy-eyed, tousled-haired Christmas mornings.

marshall christmas-002

I cannot imagine another human robbing me of the opportunity to know my child as an adult.

marshall mom

I cannot imagine the pain in Newtown, Connecticut.

*****

I can imagine those children in a safe place now, where they’ll never be harmed again.

I can imagine the people of the world praying for those who hurt.

I can imagine healing, albeit slow, for the people of Newtown.

And I can imagine all of us keeping them close in thought in the coming days.

internet photo

30 responses to “I Cannot Imagine

  1. Oh I agree with you – such a tragedy. It is hard to comprehend it all isn’t it?

  2. So beautifully written, Dianna. Our hearts are one … and they are all broken together.

    MJ

  3. So well said….it’s just an unspeakable tragedy and has touched everyone – everywhere.

    Pam

  4. Amen. You have gone to the heart of this unspeakable tragedy and our hearts are broken again.

  5. Sweet words from my sweet cousin.
    Such a tragedy for a nation suffering together.

    Lona

  6. (((((hugs)))) beautifully conveyed

  7. Dianna I think you said it for me. I am still speechless and left with the question, Why?

  8. This touched my heart. So beautifully written. I can’t imagine either.

  9. I can barely respond to this today – beautifully said, painfully true. Thank you, Dianna, for always knowing the right way to say things.

  10. Thanks for this beautiful tribute Dianna – for all the sons and daughters – lost and living. And for all the parents grieving and for all of us other parents and families and friends who are really feeling their pain.

  11. You put into words what so many of us are feeling. My heart aches, but I rest assured knowing those little angels just gained a rightful place in heaven.

  12. I’ve done the same with old photos…and just been so, so grateful as I hug my young adults…It means so much to care and pray and share these thoughts. Thanks and hugs.

  13. i am not a parent, but i share their pain and inconsolable loss.

  14. Here in Connecticut (as everywhere really) – we are stunned and heartbroken. I do not know how those families can go on….

  15. Dianna…I read your blog every day and I’m not one to leave comments,but today is different. I appreciate your touching tribute which speaks to the personal nature of this tragedy. I am overwhelmed with grief today, even though I’ve avoided watching the news. We grieve together to share their unbearable load. Thanks for your sensitive approach which unites us in caring.

  16. Dianna, blessings all over you and your family today. Your post is so very beautiful and heart-breaking and hopeful all at the same time. Thank you for so generously sharing your heart and your gentle spirit with us.

  17. Well said Dianne. My heart hurts so much for everyone that was a part of that nightmare. I cannot stop thinking about all of the families who have lost someone or were in any way involved.

  18. I don’t understand, and there are no words for it.. but you did an amazing job..

  19. I just don’t know how to respond to your heartfelt words. Everything seems upside down these days. Thank you for this post.

  20. Absolutely wonderful Dianne! You said it all.

  21. DINOSAUR! I don’t believe it!

    Seriously, my heart aches for the families that lost children. And my heart aches for the children who lived through that… listening to it over the intercom.

  22. What a thoughtful and sensitive post. I think all of our hearts are breaking for the loss of innocent lives.

  23. I am sad beyond words. I feel the same.

  24. I’ve just been so sad that it’s hard to think about Christmas preparations. All I can think about are those poor little children who won’t get to open their gifts and their parents who have to go through Christmas without their child.

  25. Thank you for this. I’ve been unable to write a word about it. You voiced this so touchingly.

  26. Very touching. I have felt bereft of words on this subject. I’m glad you found these to share….~ Sheila

  27. This was the most perfectly expressed post I saw during this terrible time! You have expressed what we are all feeling in our hearts right now and you did it beautifully! God be with those parents! My heart just aches for them! Thank you, Lord that You have their little ones in Your safe-keeping!

  28. Shirley Matthews Dunn's avatar Shirley Matthews Dunn

    What a beautiful tribute you did Dianna for these beautiful baby angels that have gone to be with our Lord this Christmas. God bless the families and friends living this tragedy.

    Lona so very good to see you on Dianna’s blog. You are in my heart and prayers. Merry Chirstmas. Love, Shirley

  29. You summed up all our thoughts, Dianna.

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