My favorite part of Christmas time is the family that I get to see and spend time with. However, on December 14th, 2012, some innocent families lost that privilege to have their loved ones near. Sandy Hook shook a nation. It should be remembered in reverence and respect. It should remind Americans to be even more grateful for the loved ones around them this year.

The tragic incident took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School, four years ago, when deranged man Adam Lanza entered the halls with a malevolent and sinful purpose. I remember coming home that fateful day to my mother embracing me and telling me how thankful she was for me. In confusion, I asked if something was going on. When she told me what had happened I was speechless. How could something so horrible, and vile happen to innocent children? All I could think of was the family’s’ pain; their lives would never be the same again.

I was born in Stamford, Connecticut and raised in Ridgefield. I have close family friends in Newtown, who are like family to me. That day was one of the scariest days of my life. My family friend was seven at the time and attending Sandy Hook. I am beyond blessed to write that he is still with us today. However, it could have been a very different story. The shooter went right, his classroom was to the left.

What is strange to me, is that for all my life, I have been going to our family friend’s home, not knowing that when I looked through their backyard, Lanza’s house was staring back at me. It was not until after the incident, that my family realized where he had lived. The house was levelled to the ground. I would run by the overgrown foundation where the house used to be. They can level a house, but the memory of what happened will live on forever.

After the incident, family members of the deceased founded a non-profit organization called the Sandy Hook Promise. I encourage everyone to look at it. To donate to the cause and to learn the importance of stopping gun violence before it happens via methods beyond gun control.

This incident forced me to understand the fact that loved ones can be taken at any moment. And as the anniversary of Sandy Hook falls right before Christmas every year, it furthers the recognition of Christmas as an important holiday to give thanks for the life that surrounds us. This Christmas please count your blessings, with your loved ones being the greatest one of all.