They were only babies. Still missing teeth. Still sleeping with fluffy toys.

They were little ones. They trusted the grown ups, as little ones do.

They woke up on that cold morning, just like every other morning in their short lives. “Eat your breakfast,” the grownups said. “It will keep you healthy and strong.” They believed the grownups, so they ate.

“Put on this nice warm sweater,” the grownups said. “It will protect you from the cold.” They put on their sweaters, trusting that the grownups were right.

That was how their lives had always been. “You need this shot, honey. It will protect you so you won’t get sick.” They got the shots, accepting their Mommys’ hugs and trusting that now they’d be safe. They climbed into their carseats. They buckled on their bike helmets.

The grownups promised to keep them safe. The little ones trusted.

They were only babies. They held Daddy’s hand as they walked to the bus stop that morning. They looked both ways before they crossed.

They listened to their teacher. When she told them to wash their hands carefully, and to scrub between their fingers, they did. “It will protect you from germs,” the grownup told them. They believed, and they did what they were told.

That cold morning, like every other morning, they gathered on the rug for morning meeting. They giggled with their friends. They wiggled and squirmed. They sang the Good Morning song.

“Be kind and be careful,” their teacher told them as they played. “This is a safe space for everyone.” They tried to be kind. They tried to be careful. They believed that they were in a safe space for everyone.

When the loud noises suddenly burst out that morning, they were confused. When the screaming started, they looked to their teacher.

She told them to gather together and stay quiet. Their eyes never left her as she ran to lock the door and turn out the lights.

She was a grownup. She would keep them safe. They trusted the grownups to protect them and keep them safe.

They trusted the adults.

But the door burst open, and hell came in the door. The grownup couldn’t keep them safe after all.

They were only babies. But they died in terror and blood and tears.

They were BABIES.

Everyone of us failed these babies. Twenty little children died because we’ve allowed the NRA to buy our representatives.

Click right here to see the faces and names of the little ones who were murdered in their classroom.

Click right here to see how your Congresspeople are rated by the NRA.