Thoughts...

I have been wanting to write down something that could possibly express the profound heartache I feel after the tragic shooting in Connecticut on Friday.  I didn't find out what had happened until around lunch time on Friday.  Every news story we heard had different information so I didn't know of the extent of what had happened until later that night. 

 I can't even begin to attempt to try and put into words the thoughts and feelings that I have had since Friday.  My initial reaction was confusion. I just can not wrap my mind around what could have possibly led to this.  My heart just aches for the parents that have lost their babies, the families that have lost mothers, daughters and sisters, and the community that is changed forever. 

One thought I keep going back to is how close this hits to home.   This could be my school. They could be my first graders.  I go into my classroom and look at the faces of my little 6 and 7 year-olds and wonder how on earth someone could want to hurt them.  God bless those brave teachers that stayed with their students and tried to protect them.  As a teacher I know that those children become your own and protecting them wouldn't take a seconds thought.

I am amazed by the strength of the parents that have lost their children.   I am inspired by their faith.  Life is too short.  Life is too short for anger and bitterness.  Give your kids an extra hug.  Tell a teacher thank you.  Tell someone that you love them.  Make amends and forgive.  Be a force for good. 

Tomorrow my first graders will be sending snowflakes to Connecticut.  They will be used to decorate the hallways of the school that the students from Sandy Hook will be attending.  I hope that the families of Newtown can feel the love and prayers that are being sent their way.