19.
At least 19 children will no longer come home at the end of the day.
At least 19 children will no longer look forward to their summer holidays.
At least 19 children will no longer squabble with their siblings.
At least 19 children will no longer graduate, get jobs, get married, have children.
At least 19 children will no longer look forward to Christmas and birthdays.
19.
At least 19 mothers will no longer be able to kiss their children goodbye or welcome them home at the end of the day.
At least 19 mothers will have one less place to lay at the dinner table.
At least 19 mothers will no longer tuck their children into bed at night.
At least 19 mothers will have to bury their children due to the incomprehensible acts of another.
At least 19 mothers will no longer hear the sounds of their children playing.
Hug your children. Love them hard.
For them.
For you.
For those who are no longer able to.

Photo by Pete Alexopoulos on Unsplash