Dear Parents and Teachers,

My name is Darlis, I am 16 years old, and I am a student at Westland Hialeah Senior High. I am writing this letter to show my condolences for this terrible tragedy. I am terribly sorry about your loss. Words can’t explain the feeling that I had when I heard about this horrible tragedy on December 14, 2012. I remember getting home from school that day and walking into my house, and seeing my mother watching the news while tears ran down her face. At that moment I didn’t know what was going on. So I sat next to her and asked her. She told me that there has been a shooting at a school in Newtown, Connecticut killing 20 innocent souls and 6 teachers. As a student, this was shocking to hear.

I felt terrible just thinking about the ages of these young children. They had so many things to experience in this world and to see how it was taken away from them so fast just scares me. But you have to be strong and move on with your lives because I know that your family needs you. You are not alone; your loved ones are here for you, to support you, and to care for you. If not, I am here for you. I can’t believe how hard this must be for you.

It is sad to see how something like this had to happen for someone to take action in gun control in the United States and a for new legislation banning the sale and manufacture of certain types of semi-automatic weapons. If they had taken action way before, nothing like this would have happened. I just hope that they come up with stricter laws. I also hope that they take this incident in consideration and help schools by reinforcing their safety. To the parents and family members, the loss of a loved one can forever be marked in your hearts, but the love of that lost person will forever stay close to you wherever you go. Just have faith, and believe in God.

Sincerely,

Darlis Rivera