Less than three weeks after tragedy struck Newtown, Connecticut, Ms. Jessica Omasta, a Langley guidance counselor and former resident of Newtown, returned to her hometown.

Ms. Omasta, who attended Sandy Hook Elementary, visited with her family and friends and saw the impromptu memorials that have sprung up all around Newtown. “It was overwhelming and emotional,” said Ms. Omasta, “There’s been an outpouring of kindness.”

“I was not expecting how present it [the tragedy] was going to be,” said Ms. Omasta, “it was everywhere.”

Streets in Newtown were lined with candles, posters, teddy bears, flowers, and cards. One street was lined with 26 Christmas trees in honor of the 20 students and 6 faculty members who were killed in the attack.

See photos of the memorials below

Students from Sandy Hook Elementary resumed school yesterday at a new school located a few miles outside of Newtown. Members of the Newtown community have started discussions on what to do with the old school. “I think the idea of a permanent memorial is appropriate,” said Ms. Omasta.

After the attack in Newtown, like after other mass shootings, politicians and activists began discussing the issue of gun control and its role in preventing tragedies similar to what occurred in Newtown. Many have suggested that political discussions should be set aside until after the people involved are allowed to grieve.

“My first reaction was ‘we’re grieving,’ however, when it doesn’t hit so close to home, you think about how you can fix it,” said Ms. Omasta.

Reflecting on her trip home, Ms. Omasta said, “It was good to be back [in Newtown], but it’s good to be back here too. “It makes you appreciate what you have.”

Photos of the memorials in Newtown

[nggallery id=200]

Photos courtesy of Ms. Jessica Omasta