On December 14, 2012, I wrote this lead-in for Friday Update:

Greetings, faithful readers. As we send this update to you, our hearts are saddened by the senseless violence that took place at a Connecticut elementary school today. The news of this tragedy is unfolding, and we will certainly be weighing in as more details emerge. We debated whether or not to send our typically upbeat Friday Update out today but ultimately decided that, yes, the spirit, hope, and hard work of the Network must go on, even on days when tragedy is all around us. So enjoy this issue of Friday Update and keep the families of those lost today, the teachers and children who witnessed the horror, and the first responders close to your heart.

And now, here we are on May 27, 2022, reeling from the senseless mass murder at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, a few short days ago. It’s been a little over ten years since the Sandy Hook massacre. In 2022 alone, there have been 27 school shootings resulting in injury or death in the U.S. Since the Sandy Hook massacre, I have watched Senator Chris Murphy shout, plead, and beg members of Congress to do something about gun violence. After this most recent massacre, his remarks on the Senate floor are most likely compelling. But you know what? I still can’t watch. My heart is too heavy. It is probably not the response I should be giving you, but it is the raw truth. I am so tired of this. Yes, we will marshal through this and soldier on; we will continue fighting for common sense because that’s what we do. But today, my heart just plain hurts too much. I’ll pick up the fight tomorrow. Today, for me, is for… actually, I am not even sure what today is for. Grieving, I guess.

I encourage all readers of Friday Update to visit the Sandy Hook Promise website and, if so moved, get involved by volunteering, donating funds to this most worthy cause, or both. Born out of unspeakable tragedy, this organization is a beacon of light in our collective search for sensible solutions to gun violence. As the Sandy Hook Promise website so distinctly and eloquently states – “Sandy Hook Promise envisions a future where children are free from shootings and acts of violence in their schools, homes, and communities.”  Visit the Sandy Hook Promise website and make a difference today.