Bringing Light to Darkness: Remembering Joshua Savyon

Tragedy can come to us in so many ways, but it is difficult to comprehend when it comes in such a small package.

Nine-year-old Joshua Savyon left his world on Sunday in a violent act that is beyond comprehension. A terrible attack that tore through too many lives, and left a community stunned.

A promising young man was taken away far too soon. There are too many words to describe the potential life thrown away for nothing.

I have always found a true concept of “evil” hard to define. Yet there is no doubt in my mind that the senseless killing of a child is a terribly evil act. Children are brought into this world as new beginnings that carry potential for greatness.

To deny one the chance to reach that calling is to steal a future.

Because it wasn’t just a life that was taken away. It was thousands of dreams. Days filled with adventures. A lifetime of smiles. All of these ripped away before they had a chance to begin.

Moments of joy meant to be shared with others are now moments of sorrow.

The one glimmer in the darkness of this tragedy is that people are doing what they can to show their support. A candlelight vigil organized by our own neighbors will take place in Amherst tonight in honor of Joshua and his family.

So many acts of violence have happened, and will happen, that we cannot understand. One thing all of us can do is come together after these moments and comfort each other. This is the gift we all have within us to share.

A light has been taken from the world that cannot be replaced. However, there is light to share within our hearts that can shine almost as bright.

I know there is room in all of our hearts to hold it.