If money were no object, I wish I could do so many things for Newtown, CT in the aftermath of the tragedy:
I wish I could set up a trailer on every corner and staff it with a nurse and a social worker or grief counselor so people could get help or just have someone to talk to any time of the day or night.
I wish I could set up a Gentle Barn-type shelter and outdoor area where animals from the local shelter could be free to spend time with adults and kids.
I wish I could set up huge family style kitchen, with healthy meals and big tables so people could eat delicious meals together and wouldn’t have to worry about cooking at a time like this.
I wish I could support local yoga teachers and bring other teachers into town and set up free classes for adults and children.
I wish I could set up holistic tents and trailers where massage therapists, acupuncturists and other holistic care practitioners could be available to provide free services to residents.
I’d staff every street corner with a kiosk to provide free coffee, tea and muffins each morning.
I wish I could provide a personal support person for every first responder, local government official and anyone else that is involved in the care of the others to ensure that they are taking care of themselves and have what they need to stay well and strong.
I wish I could provide support for teachers as well as add additional staff to help them in caring for the children of Newtown.
I wish I could bring a regular roster of the world’s greatest healers and spiritual leaders, to the town to speak, support and ask people what it is they most need to help them get through this time.
I wish I could ask every resident what it is they feel they need at this time and grant whatever wish they have.
Knowing that I can’t do these things, what CAN I do?
I can stay updated on what IS happening in Newtown and look for signs that some of these things are already happening.
I can send cards with heartfelt thoughts of sympathy and love to the families affected by this tragedy.
I can contribute what I can to charities that support the victims of this situation.
I can be part of educated, productive conversations about positive changes we can make in the aftermath of this tragedy.
I can be loving and caring towards my neighbor.
I can look out for my neighbor and lend a hand where it’s needed.
I can do my best to live to forgive, support, love others and speak with integrity.
I can pray and send thoughts of healing into the universe for the people of Newtown.
I can learn as much as I can about the important issues this tragedy raises, so I can be educated and informed.
I can keep my heart open and encourage others to do the same.
I can refrain from judging others.
I can hold back from speaking negatively and keep my thoughts and comments positive and helpful.
I can pray for the people who died and keep them and their memory in my thoughts as well as their families.
There is much I can do.
I pray for the people of Newtown; both those that remain and those who have died. May they have peace in the heavens and peace to those that remain on earth.