Austin families grieve for Newtown victims

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Families here in Central Texas and across the country are now reacting to the news. As schools here in Austin let out for the day - parents were there waiting and ready to hold their children a little tighter.

"I was just putting myself in the place of those parents and grandparents, and those sisters and brothers. And it's heartbreaking," said Melanie Sharrow, a nanny who was picking up two children from school on Friday.

Sharrow's sentiments were echoed by countless parents, grandparents and care-givers who rushed to picked up their own children after hearing about the tragic deaths of 20 students in Connecticut.

"My first impression was that I was nauseous," said Kay Mooney, as she grabbed her two grandchildren. "I wish my daughter didn't tell me."

The news had everyone on edge as they waited for the final bell to ring at schools across Austin.  Parents were running to have their children in their arms again.

"My daughter wanted to go see her children," said Mike Savercool outside of Matthews Elementary in Central Austin. "Her husband came and picked them up and took them to a movie. But after this happened she wanted to see them before they left."

Some parents say they are choosing to protect their children from the news. A tragedy they say is too much for them to handle.

A moment of silence marked the beginning of a basketball game at Crockett High School Friday evening. A moment that served as a reminder of those who lost their lives in another senseless act of violence.

"It seems to have happened a lot over the past couple years and it seems to happen in this country more than any place else," said Savercool a grandparent of two children who attend Matthews Elementary.

Families say the tragedy has made them realize just how grateful they are to be able to hold their children again.

"I honestly just pray for those families going through this horrible thing at Christmas," said Mooney.

Round Rock ISD offers tips for talking to children about the Newtown shootings here.