NursetopiaByMailThe US Postal Service has made it easier to send letters of support and encouragement to the Newtown, Connecticut community. You can send your letter, postcard, picture, whatever to whomever – teachers, parents, first-responders – to P.O. Box 3700, Newtown, CT 06470.

Me? I will definitely write a note of encouragement, yes – to a colleague – Sandy Hook School Nurse Sally Cox, who hid underneath her desk while the gunman came into her office, called 911 – along with the school secretary – after the gunman left her space, and then spent the next four hours in her supply closet. Do I personally know her? No. Does that matter? No. She is my colleague, and I will support her and encourage her because that’s what we do for one another.

I have purposefully avoided listening or reading about Newtown. With a 2-, 6-, and 7-year-old, it’s a little too close to home for me. My heart aches for Sally Cox and so many others in Newtown. One small note is the least I can do – even if it’s just to let her and others know I am thinking of and praying for them.

Will you please join me today? Will you take five minutes of your time to write a note of encouragement to Sally? I imagine you and I would both love to hear from others if the roles were reversed. Let’s honor Sally together. And, if you have school-aged children, pause and thank your school nurse before the holiday break.