(Photo credits clockwise from top right: @chowexander, @trinipoodle, @applejacks, @netta7)
I don't think there is anything I can say about the tragedy in Connecticut that hasn't been said already and been said better. And I certainly don't have an answer to how to ease the pain or what to do about gun control or anything that might help us process this horrible event.
But it feels wrong to go back to business as usual without acknowledging the one thing we are all thinking about.
As a lot of you know, I'm very active on Instagram and I participate in a community led by the photographer Josh Johnson (@joshjohnson). It's very simple. He posts a theme every day and thousands of people from all over the world contribute photos under one hashtag.
This weekend the hashtag was "Hearts for Sandy Hook" (#jj_HeartsforSandyHook).
One photo of a heart seems pretty trite, but when I looked through the thousands of contributions with captions in all different languages submitted by people who wanted to find some small way to show hope and kindness to the families of Newtown, it felt like something special.
Below is a sampling of those photos.
It's nothing profound. It's just my way of taking a pause and having a moment of silence, so that tomorrow I can try to move on, while knowing that for others moving on is impossible.
Thank you to those who gave me permission to use your beautiful photos. All photos are credited to the individual's instagram account name.
(Above photo credits clockwise from top right: @mkats, @adrenajeanne, @cecilieso, @monaspaun, @lindadm44, @jmeelin, @psdband, @ninasfoto11, @yogi_ank)
(Above photo credits clockwise from top right: @ishnite, @katchkelly, @swotus, @magda627)
(Above photo credits clockwise from top right: @nickkopa, @thelittleliar, @kjminn, @freaky_lin, @johadora, @neela, @thegoodwithin, @socali619, @peppyis)
(Above photo credits clockwise from top right: @carolineelne, @kels_dav, @urbanbedouin, @kotuha)
(Above photo credits clockwise from top right: @_pam_o, @michellegrace_ig, @mallory_n, @aliguacamole, @sydneyseattle, @sdinlove, @aliguacamole, @shayshaybw, @westatom)
My hopes and prayers are with the families in Newtown.
Stunning pictures.
What a beautiful tribute.
Those pictures prove that love is just about everywhere if you look for it closely enough.
This is a wonderful idea and tribute; as surely all our hearts have been weeping since the news first broke. Hopefully it is ok for me to share this here but wanted to pass on a way people can help. I was wanting to help but not knowing how; unable to put myself in the shoes of those suffering because, as a mom, how do I imagine the unimaginable? Then in a flash, inspiration hit. I not only contributed to a charity, but I did so as a tribute for the children involved in this tragedy (so my aspect can be kept anonymous and the focus is on the kids lost). The organizer said that information would be passed on the people helping in the community, so that when appropriate, the families of the kids can find out. As my hope is, that they will then know that people care about their loss; that people will never forget their kids; and that it will maybe create a spark of light in their shroud of darkness. The charity I chose is called Project Night Night (you can google them) and I was informed that in this case they would absolutely ensure the packages went to Sandy Hook as can help kids in grief counselling. It is not the only charity nor the only way, but wanted to share just in case anyone else was sitting at home, feeling helpless and hopeless while also feeling blessed (and maybe feeling guilty for being so blessed) as there but for the Grace of God.
I love this.
One heart at a time, right?
Amazing. What more can I say? Just amazing.
Beautiful. Love is everywhere. We just have to promote it and find it. Always.
Love it.
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing this.
If you look hard enough – you’ll find love in the most unexpected places. What an amazing tribute.
Beautiful, Ilana. Thank you for sharing this. We are so lucky to have you as a part of #JJ.
Again, I’m crying. Thank you for this.
I thought I was okay; I was heart broken for the families and said quite a few prayers for healing for them but tried to limit the amount of news that I watched.
And then I burst into tears as I left my son at preschool today. It surprised me; I was not expecting that.
These are lovely! Thanks for sharing. My heart goes out to the families and friends too.