This morning found me with two thoughts: How RA sometimes makes my eyes painfully dry, and how I needed to wrap gifts for my two little granddaughters. I reached for the vial of artificial tears, but before the day had barely begun I was crying real tears as the horrific news filtered in.

I remembered how I sent my own children to school, never fearing for their well-being. Never thinking that such a calamity was even remotely possible. I want the same safety for my grandchildren, for all our children, for they deserve to be safe at school. School is supposed to be where you go to learn and grow, not to end your short, young life.

My day ends in prayer. I grieve for the families of Newtown, Connecticut, who have suffered such unspeakable loss.

20 children . . . I cannot comprehend that.

I don’t think anyone can.