In Memory of Sandy Hook

Today our nation's heart is heavy as we remember this day, December 14, 2012 at 9:35 a.m. when we cried out first in disbelief, then anguish as the faces of 20 darling children and the 6 adults who tried to protect them appeared on our TV screens. Twenty six lives lost in a matter of a few seconds.

Today my heart aches with the family of my high school classmate,  JoAnn (Jo Jo)  Bacon, her husband Joel and son Guy as they continue to find their way in life without their precious Charlotte.

In memory of the lives lost the organization "Where Angels Play" was started, dedicated to creating accessible play spaces in the names of each person lost on that fateful day. If you're ever in the West Haven, CT area you can visit Charlotte's Playground. You can find the others on the playground locator by clicking here.

Charlotte family also started their own organization in memory of Charlotte and her love of all animals, especially dogs.

The mission of Charlotte's Litter is to create a team of therapy dogs all around the country who can respond in a crisis situation. As a dog owner and trainer, I can vouch for the comfort dogs and other animals can bring into stressful situations. 

Today, in memory of Charlotte, I would like to ask you, my readers, to consider donating to Charlotte's Litter.  And today, hold your children a little tighter as you remember the families of Sandy Hook who must carry on.

Home

The day before the loss of Charlotte and her friends at Sandy Hook Elementary, she was riding in the car with her mom when Phil Phillips came on the radio, singing his song "Home".

".... Charlotte declared her love for the song and asked for it to be turned up, then began singing it at the top of her lungs. As they drove down the road with the music blasting, Charlotte said “are you singing Mommy? Sing louder!”  (source ) 

Hold on, to me as we go.
As we roll down this unfamiliar road.
And although this wave is stringing us along.
Just know you’re not alone,
Cause I’m going to make this place your home.

Settle down, it'll all be clear.
Don't pay no mind to the demons,
They fill you with fear.
The trouble it might drag you down.
If you get lost, you can always be found.

Just know you’re not alone,
Cause I’m going to make this place your home.

Settle down, it'll all be clear.
Don't pay no mind to the demons,
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net ]
They fill you with fear.
The trouble it might drag you down.
If you get lost, you can always be found.

Just know you’re not alone,
Cause I’m going to make this place your home.

Settle down, it'll all be clear.
Don't pay no mind to the demons.
They fill you with fear.
The trouble it might drag you down,
If you get lost you can always be found.

just know you're not alone,
Cause I'm gonna make this place your home.

Charlotte Helen Bacon

Charlotte Helen Bacon is the beloved daughter of Joel and JoAnn Bacon and sister of Guy Bacon. She died tragically on December 14, 2012 with her friends and classmates at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Charlotte was an extraordinarily gifted six year old who filled her family each day with joy and love. The family will forever remember her beautiful smile, her energy for life, and the unique way she expressed her individuality, usually with the color pink. Charlotte never met an animal she didn’t love and since the age of two wanted to be a veterinarian. She also enjoyed practicing Tae Kwon Do weekly with her dad and brother where she relished kicking and throwing punches!

Charlotte has left a place in her entire extended family’s hearts that will never be replaced. The family is profoundly grateful for the thoughts and prayers of the many friends around the world who have expressed their sympathies. They trust in the depths of God’s grace and with confidence know that Charlotte rests in God’s arms.

The family asks that the media please respect their privacy at this time.

Joel, JoAnn, and Guy Bacon.

Friends may visit with Charlotte’s family on Tuesday, December 18th from 4 p.m. to 7p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church. Her Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, December 19th at 1:00 p.m. also at the church, followed by her burial in Newtown Village Cemetery. The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, is in care of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charlotte’s memory may be sent to Christ the King Lutheran Church, 85 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Newtown, CT 06470.