To the Editor:

I want to sincerely thank the Newtown Community Center Commission for their efforts in researching and designing a plan they believe will best serve the desires and future needs of our residents. It found it upsetting to read the words of people who do not believe the commission had the best interests of Newtown residents as their goal. Perhaps the valid loss of trust in the process, after the first attempt at a plan went awry, has sowed the seeds of doubt for some.

It is important, in my opinion, to keep in mind that there are parents of murdered children on the commission. While most of us can never truly understand their pain, we owe it to them to always keep that fact in mind. I believe this gift from GE was bestowed in order to help us all heal from the tragedy in our town, but first and foremost because we have neighbors in enormous grief.

As someone who has gotten to know commission member David Wheeler and his family, I am completely confident that he is every bit as trustworthy as he is compassionate and intelligent - and that is saying a great deal. He and the rest of the commission have my great respect for choosing to step up, risking doubt and criticism, to make sure that this gift from GE will be received and used with the intent it was given.

The purpose was to bring our community closer together. I sincerely hope that we do not let it divide our town instead, or risk hurting those who are in the deepest pain. We owe that much to our bereaved Newtown families, and to everyone who was deeply affected by this tragedy. We owe it to ourselves.

I hope that we can move forward from this vote with grace and respect for each other, no matter where we stand on the plan for our future community center.  As for me, I look forward to seeing my friends and neighbors at a beautiful facility where seniors, athletes, old and new families are swimming and gathering together, enjoying and giving thanks for the generosity and compassion of others. Together let us always remember the 26 beautiful lives that were taken from the world one terrible day, and honor them with compassion toward each other.

Miranda Pacchiana

Sandy Hook, April 8, 2016