The nephew Charlene raised was killed in 2011. Tara’s son was killed two weeks before his high school graduation in 2015. These two women have worked tirelessly for years to comfort and support other survivors, to remember those who have died each year, and to do all they can to stop future gun violence in order to spare others the unending pain they endure.
Charlene says that the pain of losing a child to gun violence is unimaginable to one who hasn’t experienced it. She describes how she has worked to support and comfort other survivors by being available to talk, cry, and pray with them. She has also endeavored to end the senseless cycle of violence by exhorting her nephew’s friends not to retaliate against his killers but rather to honor his memory by doing something positive and meaningful, like finishing high school, going to college, or getting a job.
Tara also has found purpose through encouraging others. She tells us this work has transformed her pain into a way of continuing her son’s life and legacy. Tara introduces us to the grassroots organization, Moms Demand Action, which was established shortly after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting to reduce gun violence and, along with the Everytown for Gun Safety Survivor Network, supports and rallies survivors like her and Charlene.
We join these courageous and strong women at the annual interfaith prayer and remembrance vigil to commemorate both the anniversary of the Sandy Hook tragedy and those lost to gun violence during the past year in our city. During the emotional evening, a survivor shares her story; candles are lit and names spoken for each life lost; and prayers are said for the healing, sustaining, inspiring, comforting, transforming, and enlightening of broken hearts. As those gathered disband, they commit to journey on the path toward peace in hearts, homes, towns, and cities “to a place where the sound of gunfire is stilled and the laughter of children fills the air.” Amen.
