To the parents and families and loved ones and friends of the people killed in the attack in Florida, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that when you said goodbye to your child or spouse or parent yesterday, it was the last time you would see them.
I'm sorry that the last memory you may have is yelling at your child to get moving so he wouldn't miss the bus.
I'm sorry that instead of planning a Valentine's Day dinner, you're planning a funeral.
I'm sorry that the teachers had to use their lockdown training to save lives instead of teaching geometry or history or The Scarlet Letter.
I'm sorry that teenagers and adults alike had to cower in classrooms, closets, hallways, and bathrooms, all the while listening to gunshots and screams of terror and wondering if they were next.
I'm sorry that the people who survived the slaughter will never, ever be the same.
I'm sorry that the many lives lost will never have a chance to be completed.
I'm sorry that the shooter was able to obtain his gun legally.
I"m sorry that all we seem to have to offer you are empty thoughts and prayers.
I'm sorry that the term "yesterday's school shooting" even exists simply because we have to differentiate it from the one that will happen next week or next month.
I'm sorry that Columbine, Pulse, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, and all of the other massacres haven't been enough.
I'm sorry that we have elected officials whose real constituents are dollar bills.
I'm sorry that the biggest elected official urges students who are lost or alone to reach out for help while simultaneously cutting our country's education budget.
I'm sorry that citizens cry that their right to own guns is more important than the right to keep our children safe.
I'm sorry that it's never the right time to talk about gun control.
I'm sorry that absolutely nothing will bring them back.
I'm sorry that we have failed you.
Moms Demand Action
States United to Prevent Gun Violence
The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
Every town for Gun Safety
