Jesse Lewis, was in the class of Victoria Soto. She attempted to save her students, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to save Jesse. This young man was so excited about the holidays and was looking forward to spending it with his family. Family was very important Jesse. His dedication to his family is a reminder to others to spend more time with family. You never know what may happen. As you move forward in the incoming year make time for family. It doesn’t have to be anything much. Maybe just having a cup of coffee with your mom/grandmother/aunt, reading a story to your kids, watching a movie or catching up on the DVR with your significant other. The most valuable thing you can ever give is your time, as we never know how much we are going to get.

Jesse Lewis, 6

Jesse Lewis was one of the 6-year-olds in Victoria Soto’s class who didn’t survive, despite her efforts to protect her students. He was described as an energetic boy who, like many of his classmates, was looking forward to the upcoming holidays. He was particularly excited to go to school on Friday, because they had plans to make gingerbread houses. His father Neil Heslin told the New York Post that he loved math and horseback riding

Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/12/16/remembering-the-victims-of-the-sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting/#ixzz2J9XBBmPm

Caroline Previdi was a silly 6 year old, with bigger spirit of giving than most adults. She loved to laugh and she loved to help others. A year before the tragedy she was working to use some of her piggy bank money to buy gifts for kids who were less fortunate.

It doesn’t take more than the heart of a five year-old to know that it is good to help others in need. Most of you who are reading this don’t need near the amount of stuff that you have been blessed with. Throughout the upcoming year, I challenge you to think of Caroline and find your “five-year old heart” by looking for ways that you can help the less fortunate. There is a need for resorces throughout the year and some of the greatest deficits actually come in the summer. When we tend to forget the giving spirits that we had just 6 months prior.

Take the time to look around. See how you can give your resources, whether it be time, money, intellect or encouragement, to your neighbors and community. By these acts of kindness, you can help the young spirit of Caroline Previdi live on.

More About Caroline:
Six-year-old Caroline Previdi loved to share smiles and laughter with friends and family — a trait that earned her the nickname “Silly Caroline,” the Wall Street Journal reports. A year ago, she was breaking open her piggy bank to put her money toward buying gifts for less fortunate children, according to People. Caroline’s older brother also attended Sandy Hook, but he safely escaped the rampage. Her grandfather described her as a “bouncy kid” who enjoyed drawing and playing soccer.

Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/12/16/remembering-the-victims-of-the-sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting/#ixzz2IxW5lwfl

I love the name Avielle. Had I ran across it before my daughter was born last February she might be an Avielle instead of an Avelyn – lol.

Avielle Richman’s life was documented long before the news coverage Newtown. Her parents ran a blog called Avielle’s Adventures. During the early stages of grief, the blog may be more painful reminder to them, than of comfort, but, as time moves forward, it will likely be one of their biggest supports for healing.

It has inspired me as a mom to take more time to focus on what is really important to me. My children. So often baby books get left unfullfilled and those little things you think that you remember forever, you often forget.

So as an Act of Kindness to your children and yourself. Take the time to write things down. Write the names of co-workers, teachers, coaches, neighbors, who they were why they were important. Record the milestones of your children, no matter how small or just funny things they do and say. Talk to your parents and grandparents. Ask them details of their family and life.

Sometimes… the most comforting thing when we look towards a scary future is to be able to reflect on the comforts of the past.

More about Avielle….
Six-year-old Avielle Richman had moved to Newtown, Conn., from Southern California a few years ago, LA Weekly reports. Her parents maintained a blog, called Avielle’s Adventures, where they posted about the young girl’s activities and milestones. An Oct. 19 post reads, “Today is Avielle’s sixth birthday. I know that every parent says this, but holy cow I can’t believe how fast time flies!” In June, they posted a picture of Avielle’s kindergarten diploma and began documenting Avielle’s foray into horseback riding.

Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/12/16/remembering-the-victims-of-the-sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting/#ixzz2IxOimPcT