I'm a Mom Before Anything Else

I did remember to take the picture of my Get Me to the Greek outfit for the HRC holiday party. I'll post it tomorrow. But tonight I had to take a minute to talk about the mom part of my blog. Meaning, most of my fashion choices are influenced by the fact I'm a mom. That's true of pretty much every decision I make. I'm a mom first, above anything and everything else.

Like all of you, I have been torn apart by the tragedy in Newtown, CT. I don't have anything more profound to say than anyone else. My opinions are my own. You have yours, too. But I do have this blog and it gives me the opportunity to publish what I want to say when I want to say it. And this evening, above all others, I want to say something. As a mother, I have been more veclempt than ever before. These events are always devastating. When children are involved, I guarantee every parent in the world is touched. Let me jump right in.

Where is our compassion? Have we forgotten that this poor soul, Adam Lanza, is a person? That he is a son? A brother? Have we ignored that he is sick, disturbed, troubled? I expect NO compassion from any family who lost someone on Friday. That is too  much to ask. But for the rest of us, how can we expect our own children to respect life, have empathy, practice forgiveness if we cannot set this example for them?

My heart, like all of yours, is broken. I literally yelled out in pain when the news reported that so many children had been murdered, that they were so young, that many were kindergartners. My mind rejects on every level the information that is being fed to us. But I have also been distraught over the vengeful reaction of so many people in this bizarre social media world we have created.

When something like this happens, it is hard to believe in God. But today, I am trying to believe. And, because of that, I am guided by Jesus' teaching that we should love and value ALL human life. Even the sick. Even the violent. God will judge, not me. So I choose in this Christmas season to have compassion and forgiveness and to set the example for my children that I don't call anyone scum or a monster, that I don't want anyone to rot in hell or die a painful death. I send my prayers to everyone involved and I look forward to the day when we move forward. I look forward to a more peaceful and loving humanity. I look forward to the children of today that will take us to that point in the future.

Every year, my Christmas card wishes peace for the new year. This year, more than ever, I wish for peace. This includes in our hearts. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and sincere love to you and yours for 2013.