I’ve been debating all day if I should write a post about the horrific massacre that occurred this past Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary. But how do you address something like this? I feel like an imposter, trying to comprehend what the victims’ families are going through. Like most of the nation, my heart is heavy with grief for the teachers, students, families and friends of the people who were so cruelly taken from this world far too early in life.

I read somewhere, though, that this is not a tragedy, but a massacre. Those words stuck out to me for some reason, because I think that this is fully both a tragedy and a massacre. A massacre, because so many lives were ripped from this world in a senseless and unnecessary act. A tragedy, because this is such a heartbreaking occurrence.

I will never understand why someone would ever take the life of a human being, much less the lives of many sweet, innocent souls. There is no rhyme or reason behind it, and the only bright spot in this whole event is knowing that each and every one of the individuals who was taken from this world is being held close by God now.

To every person who was affected by the Sandy Hook killings: my thoughts and my prayers are with you. I can’t even begin to pretend I know what you are going through, but I am praying for you.

Life is short, and you never know when it’s going to end, so make the most of it. Sandy Hook Elementary could have been anyone, anywhere. It just happened to be there.Spend time with the people you care about. Give extra hugs. Say I love you with more frequency and conviction. Make the most of each and every day you have with the people you hold near and dear to your heart.