With elementary students in Newtown trying to resume their studies today, at least one first grader will be going back to school without his best friend by his side.

John lost his pal Jack Pinto in last week's shooting, and his sadness is heart-shreddingly palpable in a letter he wrote to his departed bud, photographed and published by USA Today reporter Yamiche Alcindor.

In his farewell note, John writes:

Jack,

You are my best friend.
We had fun together.
I will miss you.
I will talk to you in my prayers.
I love you Jack.

Love,
John

Jack, a big fan of the New York Giants was laid to rest yesterday in the No. 80 jersey of his favorite player, wide receiver Victor Cruz.

[H/T: HyperVocal, photo via @Yamiche]