Signs of support across Newtown

NEWTOWN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Laura Ferarro brought flowers to a makeshift memorial in Newtown Saturday, holding onto them as she also holds her sons tight. Her oldest Jacob almost went to Sandy Hook Elementary.

"Last night it was really difficult knowing my son would have been in that class, and I'm so thankful that we never moved here," she said. "It still is a great amazing town, but it's so sad how quickly all of that can be taken away from you in a heartbeat."

Ferarro is a patient care technician at Danbury hospital where they brought victims. "As a mom I wanted to be there 'cause I want to help every kid that comes in. As a professional, it would have been very, very difficult to hold my composure."

There are sings all over Sandy hook, like one that says "hug your teacher today." The man who hung this particular sign says its because some gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"They're heroes," said Gary Seri, "laying their lives down for people. It's something to appreciate."

Mandy Ives and her 9-year-old son Henry knew Principal Dawn Hochsprung, who died in the attack.

"She was wonderful," Mandy said. "We moved here in the middle of the school year and she was so kind to my son."

Grief counselors are on hand at the Reed Intermediate School and prayer vigils are around the clock at local Churches.

"There's a time of numbness and shock and then that has to wear off before the real healing process takes place," said Rev. Mark Moore of St. John Episcopal Church.

Some parents grapple with a new fear.

"The job is getting them comfortable to get back to school next week, hoping and praying something like this will never happen again," Ives said.

Ferarro also prays, hugging her sons a little tighter knowing how precious every minute is.

"Every single person in that school, whether they're here now or they've passed, they were all heroes. Those kids couldn't imagine and what would have gone through their minds in those last moments."