Every death is a tragedy, but we can all agree that the violent slaughter of 20 children, all between 6 and 7 years old, is beyond human comprehension.
Innocent and defenseless kids gunned down in what was supposed to be the safety of their own classrooms. Brave and courageous school officials that selflessly gave their lives in an effort to protect their students. It doesn't get more heinous than that.
It's for these reasons that Friday's mass shooting was particularly heartbreaking, even for those of us who don't have direct ties to the families or community.
An outpouring of love and support was immediately felt from all corners. People from around the world quickly took to social media to express their shock, horror, sympathy, anger and disbelief. Crowds gathered in spontaneous vigils in cities and towns around the country. A leader renowned for his usual cool, calm, collective demeanor, exposed an emotional side that's rarely seen. Strangers on the street stopped to talk to one another and lament the horror that took place Friday.
And online, when you hover over the small, dimly lit candle that adorns Google's homepage, the message reads, "Our hearts are with the families and communities of Newtown, Connecticut."
The call to action is loud and clear and the national response to Friday's events are undeniable. We, as a nation, will no longer tolerate the deafening sound of silence that has followed tragedies like this time and time again.
The tipping point is upon us.
The only possible thing that could make Friday's events worse would be allowing these children to have died in vain, without taking the necessary measures to make sure something like this never, ever, ever happens again.