How do I deal with Newtown tragedy?

[Liana]

I'm a 13 year old girl and the recent Newtown tragedy has affected me...well a lot. My grief, anger, and feeling of hate has just gone so far, I don't know how to deal with it. I've cried every night and when I try to pray, I just end up blaming God instead. I can't really talk with anyone because my mom just goes silent and my dad, I know he's really sad. I don't know when the pain will go away-I feel so helpless. I can do nothing for these people who have lost their children; I can't them what they want most, which is their little kids.

I keep thinking, ''They were only six and seven!'' Or, ''If only'' or ''Maybe if''. And all those teachers!! Please help!! How do I deal with this? When will the pain go away? I just know on Christmas morning I'm going to be thinking about those families and how those kids never got to have another Christmas...

[.]

Do not blame god, devil or Satan for what he did. There is no spirit that can make good people to do bad things. He and he alone is responsible for his action.

[Malinda]

Honestly I don't know what to tell you. I teach Middle school in California and thank goodness that I and my students did not hear about the shootings until after school on that Friday because I am not sure how I would have faced my class all day. My district has been on our holiday break since it happened and I can't imagine being in school right now. I am sorry that your parents can't talk to you now. They may find it difficult to talk about with out getting emotional or they may be trying to shield you from the tragedy by avoiding the topic. If your school has counselors I would go and talk to one of them. They may not have an answer but they are there to listen. The principal, nurse, of a teacher are all good resources too. I saw a twitter hash tag today called 26 acts of kindness. Basically, you can commit 26 random acts of kindness in honor of each of the victims of the shooting. This is supposed to help you to let go of each victim symbolically through helping others. Look for opportunities to help your neighbors, community, school, and classmates in honor of the victims. Talk to a girl at your school who doesn't seem to have a lot of friends and try to include her. Show your teachers, principal, etc that you care by giving them a card. Do a chore you hate for your parents without being asked.Rake your neighbor's leaves. Write a letter to your senator, president, and congressman telling them to take action in the wake of sandy hook. Mostly, I hope you can take time to find joy in the season. These children and families were robbed of their holiday by this horrible tragedy but it is important not to let the gunman rob all of us of our joy. Taking a moment to remember the children on christmas morning is ok but after that moment take a deep breath and think about all the things and people you have to be thankful for and move on with your day.