After the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, we were all feeling shocked, horrified, sad and helpless. Watching the families of those killed go through the ultimate nightmare was hard to bear. The people of Newtown came together in support of the families who lost loved ones, and to see that was inspiring and gave just a glimmer of hope during a dark and horrifying time. Being here in California, we felt especially helpless. We all wanted to do something, anything, for those who were hurting, but what can you possibly do to try and make things better at such a dreadful time?
That is when Stephanie May got in touch with me. Stephanie was a customer of Heart On Your Wrist, and also wanted to do something to remember those lost and to provide some reassurance to the survivors. Stephanie lives in Connecticut and was feeling firsthand the pain and anguish of the people of Newtown. She wanted to create something meaningful that others could see and get comfort from. And she thought of Heart On Your Wrist.
Stephanie and I worked together to create a personalized memorial charm in honor of the Sandy Hook victims. We decided together that all proceeds from the sale of this necklace would be donated to the Newtown Memorial Fund in Newtown, CT, whose mission is to provide a memorial to the victims of the tragedy, and to establish academic scholarships in the victims’ names for victim classmates and for generations of Newtown students to come.
Stephanie felt that a burning candle had become a symbol of Hope in Newtown, so we designed a sterling silver etched charm with a burning candle in the center. The outer rim of the charm reads, “Short is life but long is love”. The back of this charm has a bold “26” on it to signify the 26 beautiful people lost on December 14, 2012. A custom message of your own can also be put on the back of the charm. The charm can be made into a necklace, bracelet or key ring.
Our wish is that people who wear this or see this charm will remember the victims, and feel a sense of comfort. We are also happy to be a part of future scholarships that will be provided to the students of Newtown. It doesn’t bring anyone back or change anything, but it does provide the tiniest glimmer of hope for the future.
