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tiny scrolls

Angels one and all

On Saturday, the names of those lost in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy were released. As soon as I saw it, I posted this on my Facebook page.

important people

The post received a huge response, but one of the first and the most inspiring came from my friend of more than three decades, Nancy Jones. Nancy is the mother of 7-year-old Zada. Here is what she said:

“The names have now been posted. The ages as well … many around Zada’s age. Zada and I will write all the names on paper and cut each one out and put each inside a little clear crystal ball ornament, so we shall always remember them.”

I responded:

“I plan to do the same thing! Thank you, sweet Nancy, for a wonderful and beautiful idea and a way to remember. xoxo”

names and ages

So I went to work typing out each name. Green ink for the adults. Blue for the little boys. And pink for the little girls. I printed them wirelessly but had to wait for Dave to return from the office to go upstairs to retrieve them for me. I was anxious for those couple of hours, wishing I could get up those damn stairs myself. I wanted, I felt as though I needed, to do this now!

first one

Once I finally had them in hand, I cut out each one and rolled them into little scrolls that I then wrapped and knotted with the same color baker’s twine.

1 adult, 1 boy, 1 girl

I meticulously rolled and wrapped an adult, then a boy, then a girl. Each name was more heartbreaking than the last. It took so long to do this. So very much longer than it took for a sick mind to take their innocent lives.

heartbreaking

I kept going in that order; adult, little boy, little girl. Until, this is what was left when I got down to the last adult, Victoria Soto.

Beautiful Victoria, just 2 years older than my Marissa. If you haven’t already read about her heroics that fateful day and how she offered up her own young life while protecting the precious lives of her first-graders … unimaginable and amazing bravery and selflessness.

ornament

Our tree won’t be decorated until the 23rd when Marissa gets home. Until then, this is the only ornament, the only thing, gracing it. When I walk past, I am filled with heartbreak. But it is a heartbreak I need, we all need, to feel. I vow to hang it on every Christmas tree from this year until the last three of my lifetime.

Today, Nancy put up her ornament photos. I would like to share them with you.

Zada

Zada's scrolls

God bless these angels.


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6 comments

1 Rita { 12.17.12 at 12:27 PM }

God bless us all.

2 Lori V { 12.17.12 at 2:15 PM }

What a heart-felt and beautiful thing to do and such a lovely tribute to those little angels whose lives and innocence were taken so quickly and unjustly. I will pass this on to many, who I know will be inspired to do the same. Thank you for sharing this Linda-so moving and truly inspirational.

3 Nancy { 12.17.12 at 3:12 PM }

The picture of your ornament with the names scrolled up and placed inside, again made me cry. The idea that it is the only ornament on your tree now, is touching. Like you, each year, until I too fade, this Memorial Ornament will be placed upon my tree…to remember. Then it will be given to Zada to hang upon her tree…. Thank you for this post and for including Zada and me and for the exchange you and I had about this a couple days ago. My love to you, always. xox

4 Pat { 12.17.12 at 3:15 PM }

How beautiful and how sad!

5 Bonnie Mosher { 12.17.12 at 3:54 PM }

Leave it to Nancy to have a friend with the softest of hearts. Your ornament is a beautiful, enduring statement that gives added voice to the ideas of two of the most caring people I know. And thank you, Nancy, for sharing your wonderful friend with the rest of us.

6 Linda Hopkins { 12.17.12 at 10:05 PM }

All I can say is what I feel – xox oxo – that is a double dose of hugs and kisses.

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