Saturday, December 14, 2013

In Memorium... the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary

December 14, 2012 ...

Like most tragic and shocking events, the news of this elementary school shooting came by word of mouth. I was at work, thinking more of my performance that evening than anything else. I suppose we never really feel the full impact of these events unless we are personally tied to them. So many people experienced a tragedy that day that I can't even begin to comprehend. Despite being far from the events and the deep emotions of that day, I was profoundly touched that evening by what I consider to be the greatest tribute I've heard.  

That Friday evening, the official opening of the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert 2012, Lloyd Newell began the evening with remarks on the tragic events of the day. We dancers were in our places in the aisles as the entire Conference Center bowed head and paused in a moment of silence for the victims and families. It was a somber beginning to the evening performance, though it didn't darken the mood. 

The day's events jumped poignantly to the forefront of the show, however, when Alfie Boe sang "Bring Him Home." I had heard the song several times before, between dress rehearsals and other shows. This time was different. In the musical Les Miserables, the song is often titled "The Prayer." When Alfie sang on Friday, December 14, 2012, it truly felt like a prayer for the beautiful children and teachers who had lost their lives. 

May our God always bring us home to Him. 



1 comment:

Jenelle said...

Beautifully said, Erica. Thanks for sharing this memory.

Don't limit yourself and don't let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then so as to reach your possibilities. You can achieve what you believe you can. Trust and believe and have faith. ~ President Thomas S. Monson