Father's Remarks About His Loss

(catching his breath) So my name's Robbie Parker My family is one of the families that lost a child yesterday in the Sandy Hook Elementary school shootings here in Connecticut. I've been contacted by so many people and agencies wanting to know how we were doing and I just thought that this might be the best way to share those feelings with everybody. First of all I'd really like to offer our deepest condolences to all the families who were directly affected by this shooting. It's an horrific tragedy and we want everybody to know that our hearts and our prayers go out to them. This includes the family of the shooter. I can't imagine how hard this experience must be for you. And I want you to know that our family and our love and our support goes out to you as well. At this time our thanks go out to so many people so many friends and family and complete strangers who we don't know for all the love, condolences and support that you've given us My daughter, Emilie, would be one of the first ones to be standing and giving her love and support to all those victims because that's the type of person that she is. Not because of any parenting that my wife and I could have done but because those were the gifts that were given to her by her heavenly father. As the deep pain begins to settle into our hearts we find comfort reflecting on the incredible person that Emilie was. and how many lives that she was able to touch in her short time here on earth Emilie was bright, creative and very loving Emilie was always willing to try new things other than food. She loved to use her talents to touch the lives of everyone that she came into contact with She was an exceptional artist and she always carried around her markers and pencils so that she never missed an opportunity to draw a picture or make a card for those around her. I can't count the number of times Emilie noticed someone feeling sad or frustrated and would rush to find a piece of paper to draw them a picture or to write them an encouraging note Emilie's card-making was expressed beautifully this last October when she placed a very special card that she had made into the casket with her Grandpa. who also just recently died of a tragic accident. Emilie was a mentor to her two little sisters in delighting and teaching them how to read dance and find the simple joys of life. Emilie's laughter was infectious and all those who had the pleasure to meet her would agree that this world is a better place because she has been in it. As we move on from what happened here what happened to so many people let it not turn into something that defines us but something that inspires us to be better to be more compassionate and more humble people. Let us please keep the sentiments of love that we feel for our families and the compassion that we feel for others even complete strangers. and keep them with us at all times. not just in times of sorrow and tragedy