John,

Until you become a mother, it is difficult to fully grasp the depth of a mother's love for her child. It's an incredible feeling, but it's also the greatest risk your heart and soul will ever take. And when my sweet little Daniel was taken from us, a part of my heart and soul were taken, too.

Yes, I risked part of myself to become a mother. And I hoped to have the privilege of raising all three of my children, to guide them and love them, until the end of my time on Earth. Life, as you know, did not turn out as planned. Still, I have no regrets – because whether he was reuniting ants with their families, trying his hardest to master a new swimming stroke or just reaching for my hand in a parking lot, I was proud every day to be Daniel's mom – and I still am.

Since the day Daniel was murdered, I've dedicated my life to sparing other mothers from the indescribable pain of losing a child to gun violence. But on Mother's Day tomorrow, I want to send my love to the moms who haven't been spared this pain – those who have had a child taken from them all too soon, who might have to spend the day alone during this difficult time of social distancing.

I'm hoping you will help me send a message of light and support – and a promise that we'll do everything possible to prevent other parents from losing a child to gun violence. Before tomorrow, will you sign our special Mother's Day card?

Please click here to sign Sandy Hook Promise's Mother's Day card to support all the moms who have lost children to gun violence and let them know they're in your heart.

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Becoming that sweet, spunky, freckle-faced boy's mother proved to be risky, but it's a risk that I would take again and again and again. The immense love and joy Daniel brought to my life in the short time he was with me have made my heartache and pain worth carrying. But days like tomorrow are still so, so hard – and it would mean the world if you'd help us send a little love and compassion to the other mothers who will spend it without their child or the comfort of a loved one.

This Mother's Day, I hope you do what Daniel would have done: Speak kind words and do the kind thing, just because. Make every moment count.

Thank you for your constant support,

Jackie Barden (Daniel's mom)



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Sandy Hook Promise Foundation
PO Box 3489, Newtown, CT 06470, United States

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