As the community here struggles to make sense of the death of little children (http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/woman-2-kids-critically-injured-struck-brooklyn-article-1.3856749), I am reminded of the story of Maha Theri Patacara and these words of the Lord Buddha:
“No children will be a refuge,
Nor any relations at all.
The one who is taken by death
Will find no shelter among kin.
Knowing this, understanding this,
the wise one, restrained by virtue,
quickly clears the obstacles
on the path that leads to freedom.”
May devatas, bodhisattas and benevolent beings guide the departed children to blissful realms where they may learn and practice the Dhamma. May the mothers, fathers and relatives of those killed be free from pain and may wisdom be born from their suffering.
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
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