As our nation moves forward into 2013 and beyond, we will never forget the tragic event of Friday, December 14, 2012 at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.  As the families and friends of the victims are mourning their loss, so is the nation as whole.  We will never know the reason why this took place and this post is not about that.  Each one of the victims was looking forward to the future.  Tragically, they won’t realize it for themselves.  And yet, they can help the nation move forward and their lives would not have been lost in vain.

What this post is not about are the various political sides talking about what to do that only creates conflict.  What this is about is to focus on the legacy of love that each victim represented.  The smiles on their faces showed their heart.  What can each reader do to show the same thing?  Well, start each day with a smile.  Give more hugs to those you care about.  Truly show that you care.  Help spread the caring through sharing.  Not just this time of year either.  Make it a continuous journey.

Next, focus on your passion and live more moments.  For it is each moment in time that counts.  As you read this post, think about the moment you are now engaged in.  If you didn’t do something in the past, don’t fret over it.  You can start the process of doing it now.  Make a difference in your life and the lives of others starting now.  If you’ve engaged in inaction, then start taking some sort of action that moves you towards a worthy goal…. A purpose… A mission… And make it a lifelong journey.

Jessica Rekos, 6, had a passion for horses.  Her parents promised her one when she turned 10.  She was focused on what she wanted and wrote regularly in her journal.  Her parents described her as “our little CEO” because of her focus and planning.  She prepared herself towards getting her horse by asking Santa for a pair of cowboy boots and a cowboy hat.  In all areas of her short life, she had big plans for the future and she took the right actions in the present.

Victoria Soto, 27, who in the moment of last Friday’s tragedy, sacrificed her life to save the lives of her students (which she had hidden in a closet).  All her children survived and will carry on the lessons she taught them.  Her heroic stand is one that we all can learn from.

Jack Pinto, 6, was an avid New York Giants fan and especially of wide receiver Victor Cruz.  During the game against the Atlanta Falcons, Cruz wrote on his cleats, “Jack Pinto, My Hero” and “R.I.P. Jack Pinto.”  Jack’s parents wanted to bury their son with Cruz’s #80 jersey.

Olivia Engel, 6, had a persona that would always light up a room.  She also loved attention.  And she showed it.

Those are but a few of the many stories of each victim from Sandy Hook.  And let’s remember them through our positive actions.  For only that way will their legacy carry forward.  As will our nation as a whole.  So, look into your own heart and ask yourself, “What am I going to do to help make this world a better place?”  And when you answer that question, take a page from Jessica Rekos and make a plan and then take action on that plan.

From a heart mourning,

Bob