John,
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for joining our Promise to build a safer world for all our children so no other parent experiences the loss of their child.
After my precious Dylan was killed in the senseless violence at Sandy Hook Elementary, my other son Jake asked me not to say Dylan's name aloud. The reminder of how quickly and violently his best friend had been snatched away was too painful and raw.
In the years after, I sometimes heard Jake talking to Dylan, just chatting to his brother quietly while he played. I had to stop, steel myself, allow myself to feel the anger that Jake could no longer play with his brother, and then remember that this was Jake's way of moving forward, of keeping Dylan's memory alive.
For me, I talk about Dylan as much as I can to help give him a legacy – to give his death some form of bigger meaning through Sandy Hook Promise's work to prevent gun violence and keep other families from having to go through what we have.
By supporting and getting involved with Sandy Hook Promise, you are not only helping us honor Dylan and all the children lost to gun violence every day, but also helping protect those still with us. You're helping Sandy Hook Promise empower parents to make immediate change in their own communities and advocate for common sense reforms.
Thank you for giving us this momentum. Thank you for giving us your love. And, most of all, thank you for giving us hope.
We are making a difference – and together, we will create a safer world for all our children.
With love,
Nicole Hockley (Dylan's mom)
