Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
OGDEN — The residents of Newtown do not want last month's tragedy to fade in people's minds. Rather, they want Americans to keep talking about what happens now.
Robbie and Alissa Parker, who lost their precious 6-year-old Emilie hold fast to faith, family and friends.
"They go back-and-forth between loving their girls and enjoying, them to just total loss and sorrow over the one that's missing," said family friend Brooke Prothero.
Prothero started a Facebook page to honor Emilie. Unfortunately, conspiracy theorists have posted nasty accusations on the page, claiming Parker is still alive and part of a government cover up. Prothero has said that all anyone can do is rise above it.
"Robbie and Alyssa lost their little baby girl that day, and there's nothing that's going to change that," Prothero said. "And all we can continue to do is support, support them."
Prothero said they find strength from other parents who lost their children.
Monday, those parents, speaking as a non-profit group called Sandy Hook Promise, called for open discussions on gun ownership, mental health and safety for all American children.
"Though we continue to be filled with unbearable pain, we choose love, believe and hope instead of anger," said mother Nicole Hockley.
The group says it is dedicated to honoring the lives of the 26 people killed in the Sandy Hook massacre, as well as ending violence.
"If we want real change we have to think, we have to talk, and we have to act differently," said co-founder Tom Bittman.
Other Newtown residents packed the high school to discuss what should happen to Sandy Hook Elementary. Some believe the school should be remodeled to honor the 26 victims. Others think it should be torn down.
