Things I recall:
A young police officer collapsing in grief under a tree, his fellow officers shielding him from the view of phone cameras.
A classroom with its floor covered by a tarp, shapes still visible underneath.
The sound of parents in grief and mourning.
The shattered front doors of the school, a sign prominent that read "This is a gun free zone."
The next day I attended an ordination. I presented the candidate, I recall. When asked about it later that day, I remember saying, "I don't think I want to play church dress-up anymore" .
You know, I never quite did, either; at least not in the same way.
O God, whose beloved Son took children into his arms and
blessed them: Give us grace to entrust them to your never-
failing care and love, and bring us all to your heavenly
kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for
ever. Amen.