To the Editor:

I am writing to thank you for the “Still Newtown” podcast series.

This past week I was attempting to put together a brief service to mark ten years since 12/14 for the staff at Danbury Hospital. On December 14th we offered a sacred space for staff to gather for prayer and reflection. Words seemed so inadequate and I was struggling with what the focus should be. I was stuck thinking about that horrific day.

After listening to your podcast on WSHU, I was given direction and inspiration and hope. Thank you for that. I am including my reflection below. It is my humble attempt to offer up a prayer for that day.

We Remember

We remember the survivors

We remember the children, who are now high school and college students, who are a voice for change, who are a voice for their classmates who died that day. May they feel empowered to speak their truth.

We remember the teachers who continue to create a nurturing space for their students that supports their social and emotional well-being and fosters a love of learning. May they be given the resources and support they need to fulfil their calling as educators.

We remember the parents who have found ways to honor their children’s lives through advocacy, education, music, theater and nature. Although grief is ever present, may they experience a new joy that transforms their grief and lets the light in for healing.

We remember the first responders, trauma team and clergy who continue to care for all those wounded in body, mind and spirit. May they be strengthened to carry those who suffer trauma in their lives.

We remember the innocent lives lost that day. Their memories live on in the love that is paid forward by every act of compassion, every gesture, every word of kindness offered to another. It is through our intentional acts of love that we honor them.

As we light candles today marking ten years we remember the Newtown community.

May our hearts be enkindled with a desire, a persistent and urgent yearning to change our world so that violence against children, against teachers, against anyone stops happening…everywhere.

I have been getting The Newtown Bee since we moved to Newtown in January 2012 and I listen to WSHU most days of the week. SHU has a special place in my heart as I was the college chaplain there for five years before becoming a hospital chaplain.

With deep gratitude for your excellent journalism and reporting, and peace to you this season.

Noelle D’Agostino

Danbury Hospital Emergency Department Chaplain