A midstate psychologist says the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School could put a damper on many family holiday celebrations. Even for people living hundreds and even thousands of miles from Newtown, Connecticut.
The funerals for 20 children and six adults massacred at the elementary school last Friday began on Monday and continued yesterday and Wednesday. Others are scheduled through the end of the week.
The nearly non-stop coverage the week before Christmas makes it hard to rejoice when so many families are suffering. Dr. Pauline Wallin finds herself thinking about all the gifts that were bought for the children that will never be opened. She wonders how the families are going to get through the holidays.
The psychologist and counselor says some of us may need to cope as well. "When we think of all the families that are suffering, I don't think that those families want us to suffer along with them. It's a time for us to appreciate and be grateful for who we have around us, for our own families because as we see we can't count on tomorrow. We know we have this moment and we should appreciate the moment now."
Considering what happens locally and across the country, she says it can be hard to get excited for the celebrations. "This year we don't have to get pumped up. We can just feel grateful. We can just look around and see what we have, and not get so caught up in what we're suppose to be doing, but just what there is."Dr. Wallin says the holiday season can be hard on people. And now, those with strong feelings about the deaths in Connecticut will be another group for concern.