Tis the season to be jolly and to take account of our blessings, contemplate our friends and consider the good graces of those who support us in any and every way.
The recent tragedy in Sandy Hook reminds us all that life is fragile and the world despite all peoples best efforts and governmental controls is still a very dangerous place.  It only takes one person, crazy or otherwise, with a gun, a bomb, a knife, fertilizer, poison, bacteria from soil like anthrax, or a variety of other means to cause such vile and unbelievable atrocities.
But while such events remind us of the bad and the risk we and our loved ones face, we should also stop to celebrate the heroism of those who bravely gave all of their own humanity to protect and defend these children.  While we think of the “hard” heroes like our military, police, fire and guard who actively protect us ever day, it is more often our “soft” heroes who make the daily sacrifices and protect our lives and the lives of our children. It is the people like the Sandy Hook school teachers, staff, volunteers, students and principals, who on this day made the difference for the many who were not physically harmed.
So as we move to Christmas let us remember these soft heroes and their sacrifice on this terrible day that saved so many!  These individuals are truly heroes!
Merry Christmas to all.