On Friday, December 14th, the lives of twenty schoolchildren and six adults were tragically cut short in a senseless shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut.

Yet we as a community have come together to move forward during this difficult time. Various vigils have been held across the nation, including an interfaith gathering in Newtown on December 16th. Empathy and solidarity can be strongly felt all across America.

Tragedies such as this have stimulated various new protective measures. Discussions regarding stricter gun control and more effective mental health services have surfaced, and schools have seen increased levels of security. Definitive steps are being taken so as to prevent further senseless tragedies like this.

In light of the events of the past few days, perhaps President Obama best captured the emotional gravity of the situation: “While nothing can fill the space of a lost child, or loved one, all of us can extend a hand to those in need…I know there’s not a parent in America who doesn’t feel the same overwhelming grief that I do.”

We at The Nest extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by the tragedy.