Robbie Parker's Speech

Journaling is his speech:

Okay. So my name is 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 have been contacted by so many people and agencies wanting to know how we are 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 are directly affected by this shooting. It's a 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 things 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 you have given to 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 are 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 in to 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 in teaching them how to read, dance and find the simple joys in 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, and may we do this so that we can better all of our communities, in all of our cities, in all our states, so that we can make everyone, everywhere, in this country feel safe. Thank you.

Wow. First of all, what a tremendous speech. I am in tears. You scrapped it very well. Lovely page.

Oh my, that is so so moving, the page got blurry..........

I think that is wonderful that you did this awesome LO. I agree with you totally and I also believe this is what makes people true humans.

A truly beautiful LO! I loved the soft gentle colors. The speech font is very elegant and I liked the cluster with the hearts.

Very inspirational journal. terrific photo less layout.

I heard and read his speech which is amazing. Your preservation and tribute is beautifully portrayed. Fabulous Faith quote...so true.

Such a nice way to acknowledge such a terrible tragedy. You scrapped a beautiful page and chose a very appropriate kit