To the Editor:

We moved to this outstanding community in May 2013. For us, Newtown was home before it became home. In early December 2012, we were gearing up to put our starter home on the market in a neighboring community. We just had our second child and were bursting at the seam in our humble abode. We were filled with excitement at the thought of living in this great, historic community. With numerous benefits of living in Newtown, the #1 reason was all about the stellar school system. We have two young children to guide, care for and provide the very best we can. No question…this meant Newtown.

Within days of that decision to move, the Sandy Hook crisis occurred shaking the world to its core. We watched helplessly from afar as our community suffered. Although not physically in town that day, our pain became intertwined with yours instantaneously. Within just a few days of the crisis, we saw you slowly emerge from the darkness. The actions and camaraderie that ensued became the world’s beacon of light. When our compassionate realtor asked gently if we still wanted to look at homes in Newtown, without hesitation we both said “yes.”

For the past 2½ years, we have grieved privately and silently out of respect for those that lost far more than us that horrific day. We stand strong in the shadow of those suffering for their lost child and for those whose children lost their innocence that day. We stand quietly with our hands on your shoulders giving you our love and comfort. Wishing every night we could move heaven and earth to make your reality unreal.

With the recent proposal of closing a Newtown school so soon after that terrible day, we realize that one of two things must be happening. Either we are not progressing through our own grief as quickly as everyone else or there is an entire community of people just like us grieving softly behind closed doors out of respect for those that hurt far, far worse than us. It is with this that we so passionately plea that the health and well-being of our community be thoroughly evaluated prior to making a decision that will dismantle another elementary school in this town.

Respectfully,

Lisa and Andy Ashla

33 Taunton Lake Drive, Newtown             June 15, 2015