While I was cleaning up the aftermath of my son and niece's cookie project- more on that later... I heard Dr. Phil read such a beautiful and moving poem on air about Sandy Hook Elementary School.  I don't normally watch much tv because I'm always working or busy but it was on and I'm so happy it was.  It was a re-crafted version of the classic holiday poem, 'Twas the Night before Christmas, shared by viewer Trina, and written by Cameo.  I must confess that I sobbed as I heard Dr. Phil and his wife read it aloud but at the same time, the words so eloquently written in the poem comforted me.

I just wanted to make a short little post to share this poem and the video with all of you and hope that it touched you all as much as it touched me.  My heart goes out to the families of all those deceased, especially the parents of those precious babies.  I believe that they are with Jesus now, in heaven, without pain or worry.  I don't know any of these people but for some reason, this tragedy has greatly affected my life.  Oh how I wish I could wrap my arms around all the grieving parents and comfort them, how I wish I could rewind time and bring their babies back to them...

You can donate to honor the victims and their families.

Newton Youth & Family Services

Here is the poem written out for all of you.  Cherish those you love.  Hold them tight and let them know how much they are loved.

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38

when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."

when what to their wondering eyes did appear,

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring

those children all flew into the arms of their King

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

and as if He could read all the questions she had

He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

then He looked down on earth, the world far below

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"

"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"

"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

then He and the children stood up without a sound.

"come now my children, let me show you around."

excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.

all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA