Shooting Victim Emilie Parker: Her Dad's Inspirational Message

Aimee Herd : Dec 19, 2012
YouTube.com

"As we move on from what happened here—what happened to so many people—let it not become something that defines us. But something that inspires us to be better, to be more compassionate and more humble people. Let us please keep the sentiments of love that we feel for our families, and the compassion that we feel for others—even complete strangers—keep them with us at all times, not just in times of sorrow and tragedy."

(Newtown, CT)—Fighting back tears, Robbie Parker, one of the Sandy Hook school shooting victims' father spoke to the media this week, after being contacted by many correspondents wanting to know how the families were coping with the great tragedy.

He began by sharing his condolences not only with his fellow families who had lost their loved ones, but also extending compassion to the shooter's family.

"I can't imagine how hard this experience must be for you," said Parker, "and I want you to know that our family and our love and support go out to you as well."

Parker talked about the incredible heart of compassion in his little girl, Emilie. (Photo: Reuters/Facebook/Handout)

"My daughter Emilie would be one of the first ones to be standing and giving her love and support to all those victims, because that's the type of person that she is. . . . Not because of any parenting that my wife and I could've done, but because those are the gifts that were given to her by her Heavenly Father," Parker said.

"As the deep pain settles into our hearts, we find comfort reflecting on the incredible person that Emilie was."

Parker shared about Emilie's love for drawing, and how she would carry her markers with her so she would be ready to draw a picture; often making them into cards to give someone who needed some cheering up.

Watch the YouTube video of Robbie Parker's message by following the source link provided.