20 stuffed animals sitting on empty beds. 20 sets of rain boots never again to splash in puddles. 20 college degrees never obtained.
I'm heartbroken. I'm sickened. I'm devastated.
As a parent, I mourn for these lost angels and grieve for their families.
And as an American, I wonder, how could we let this happen? How can it have come to this?
I feel helpless, sad, empty.
But there is hope. On Friday, Ann Curry challenged us all to remember these victims and heroes in our own personal ways. On Twitter, she asked: @AnnCurry: Imagine if all of us committed to 20 mitvahs/acts of kindness to honor each child lost in Newtown. I'm in. If you are RT #20Acts
Well, Ann, I'm in. And so is my entire team at National Geographic Kids.
I'm committing to do a book reading at a local elementary school. I'm going to visit this school and thank the teachers for the work they do, for the love they share, and for the gifts they give our kids every single day. 25 of my staffers are joining me in this pledge too. After the reading, each school will receive 26 of our favorite National Geographic Kids books and magazines to fill their libraries so kids can get excited about learning and reading.
It isn't enough. Nothing is. But at least it is something. Thank you Ann Curry for inspiring us to make the world a better place.