In light of recent events, I want to express my condolences to the families whose loved ones were killed in the Newtown elementary school shooting in Connecticut. When I first found out about what had happened, the news had spread all over social media. News outlets were reporting updates every couple of hours, and people all over the country were sharing similar reactions of grief, shock, horror. I didn’t — couldn’t — post anything about it because just the thought of the shooting made me feel sick. Robbing children of their futures isn’t just monstrous; it’s detestable, and can never be justified.

I didn’t have any candles, so this is my way of honoring those who were affected by the Connecticut shooting.

To families who have lost much during the past couple days, the rest of us cannot even begin to imagine the pain you are going through. As a college student with no children of my own, I probably understand even less than most adults. But human loss is universal, an agonizing emotion we have all faced at some point. The shooting has been addressed by the entire nation — including President Obama, who made a public statement Friday — and has even reignited the debate on gun control. The shooting has affected everyone in some way, and please remember: You don’t have to go through this alone. We are right here with you, mourning the loss of 26 lives.

It may be too early to talk about acceptance or moving forward. And in one week, one month or even one year — even then, perhaps it will still be too early. Let’s come together to stitch the black hole created by evil hands, and commemorate the lives of the people you cared about the most. Only together can we even begin to take the first step toward recovery.