[meboss84]

I am so sorry, for you and for everyone who is having to deal with the pain of losing a friend or family member because of this senseless tragedy. Prayers for you all.

[Freebird!]

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

[luckyduck]

I am just the riding instructor at The Ridge.....and Catherine was a mighty child. Her red hair fit her. She had a glowing passion that infected all of us at The Ridge....Anna and John Maher, the owners, Abbi Ferrigno with Rabbit Hill, and all the students. We were very lucky people to have been a part of her life. Catherine will be forever missed...as well as the rest of the sweet souls that were taken so quickly. Thank you to all who have had such kind things to say. Thank you to those who have donated in her memory. Please hold her parents tightly in your prayers. They are an amazing family.

[Belg]

Luckyduck,We're both just incredibly saddenned by what happenned, and that area is my wife's old home turf and many, many students still live and work up your way and not far from... It's rocked us here and all throughout our extended community. May God give you strength.

[FlashGordon]

Totally heartbreaking.

Godspeed, little one.

[Natalie A]

Donated. I have been trying to figure out where to donate, and this just spoke to me.

[Freebird!]

And two other horse enthusiasts lost in the shootings

http://www.ratemyhorsepro.com/news/y...nksalpha%22%7D

[KPF]

So sorry, Luckyduck. Thanks for the link, OP-- I donated as well.

[TarheelJD]

Donated. I have been trying to figure out where to donate, and this just spoke to me.

Me too. This seemed like the right place to me.

[Discobold]

I'm so sorry As I search for something meaningful or comforting to say, I realize I'm simply speechless. Thank you for sharing and giving us the opportunity to donate in memory of Catherine. Done.

[MHM]

Luckyduck, I'm so very sorry for your loss.

I've been through that area over the years, mostly to go to the vets at Fairfield Equine. It seemed so unfathomable to think of such a thing happening in that quiet town. Or anywhere, for that matter.

It speaks volumes about her family that they asked for their little girl to be remembered in a way that would have such significance to her.

[CVPeg]

Thought I would be reading here on COTH about some connections to these children - so many seemed to be enamored of horses. I hope they have their fill of unending joy with beautiful beasts there with them. So very sorry, Luckyduck, and to all the others whose lives they've touched.

[Foxtrot's]

I feel I have to chime in here, too. The pain never leaves you, but in time it is softened by the good memories. Allow everybody to help and support you
because that is what helped me. Bless all those little angels and the adults who were so brave.

Let's hope that after all these incidents some good comes of this in the form of tightened gun control and help for the mentally ill.

[Wizard of Oz's]

I'm going to donate first thing tomorrow morning, as well. My heart breaks for everyone involved, and even more when I learn more about them and their lives. I know God is taking care of these beautiful babies and I know beautiful little Catherine is up there riding ponies all day long. Rest in peace, little angel.

[Zu Zu]

Thoughts and prayers and ((hugs)) for ALL ~

[ccoronios]

I just LOVE crying at work. How do I explain THAT?

[luckyduck]

Just wanted everyone to know that we said our final goodbye to little Catherine yesterday. One of the hardest moments I have every gone though in my life. Please continue to pray for her amazing family. They are gracious, kind and loving people and I know they will be so very sad for a long time.

Again, I want to thank each and every person for EVERYTHING that has been done. I firmly believe that kindness is contagious. THANK YOU THANK YOU!

[Laurierace]

I just LOVE crying at work. How do I explain THAT?

I think everyone has been crying off and on this past week. I doubt you will need to explain.