The day after the horrific shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, I had to tear myself away from the constant stream of news, updates, and emerging details. It simply became too much to bear. This reaction, in turn, got me thinking about one response to the tragedy about which I had heard almost nothing: silence. In response, I wrote an essay for The Huffington Post, which I now offer to you.

For those who celebrate Christmas, may the season to come be full of love and light. For everyone, I wish you the very best for 2013.