Like most parents, I’ve been trying to put into words what I’ve been feeling since first hearing about the horrible events that unfolded in Newtown, Connecticut.
I still can’t.
Helpless is the only world I can come up with – total, utter helplessness. And, also, anger.
Horrible, unspeakable things happen in our world every single day. But the visceral, raw coverage of the events unfolding in Connecticut, the photos of children running scared from their elementary school, the posts from Facebook friends who have elementary-school aged children – it was all too much for me.
I am a social media enthusiast – just ask my friends, family and poor husband who sometimes can’t get my attention in the evening because I am glued to my phone and laptop.
I believe in the awesome power of social media tools to connect us, to help us learn and to expand our worldviews.
I go to social media as the first place to learn about breaking news. I use it as a platform to express my political opinions, to share my thoughts and to post snippets of my daily life.
I stepped away from it this weekend. But after much thought, mourning and evaluating, I know that I need to return to these tools.
Not only because I love them and I depend on them, but because I think they can make a difference.
How I plan to use social media in the coming days and weeks:
To spread awareness about interesting and thoughtful articles and news coverage.
To donate money. John Haydon posted a fundraiser on Razoo that is raising money for New Youth and Family Services, a nonprofit providing counseling and services to people directly affected by the shooting.
To advocate for tougher gun control laws and increased mental health services.
To re-connect and continuing connecting with loved ones spread across the world.
To remember what’s really important, but looking at Facebook photos and videos from the past year with my family.
I’m going to take a break from blogging this week and next. I wish you a happy and healthy holiday if you’re celebrating, and happiness and health always and into the New Year. See you in 2013!
photo credit: Darwin Bell via photopin cc