Weeping

I've wanted to write something about last week but couldn't put it into words.  Every time my hand went to the computer keys my heart went into lockdown.  I cry at the craziest things and at nothing.  My brain won't focus.  Today I read the following, written by one of my daughters and thought she had said it the way I wanted to so I'm passing it on to you.  My husband and I were/are both teachers, as are all three of our children.  We are in the trenches following our hearts and using the gifts God gave us for working with children, doing what He calls us to do.  Tomorrow we will return to our schools.  Sadder, certainly.  Determined, more than ever.  Tomorrow we will hug another child, wipe the tears of those who weep, and watch all around us for danger.  But make no mistake, this will not keep us away.  Tomorrow we will return to school and we will  teach your children and love on them and show them that no matter what happens in their world there are people out there who will stand in the line of fire and protect them the very best that we can.  My heart weeps with those who lost loved ones in Connecticut and my prayers are that all over the world we put away our anger and come together in peace.

Show the children.

I really wasn't sure what would help me return to my past "efforts" at blogging, I even thought it likely I would never find the time so I would eventually give up. Today though, I feel a terrible desire to put my feelings down somewhere, anywhere about the massacre at Sandy Hook.

Friday began as a normal day for myself and my high school students. As the reports began to come through of the tragedy in Connecticut we shared information, shock and sorrow at the incomprehensible events that had taken place in another school - where life should have been as normal as ours. Some of my pupils immediately began to wonder aloud at "motive" while others verbalized their opinions that only mental illness would produce this type of behavior.. all though, were very, very heartbroken.

High school students - particularly those in an urban setting, often get a "bad rap" for being unrefined, indifferent and even violent. These are not the children I see. I see teenagers who weep at the news of slain elementary students. I see young adults who quickly want to find a "fix" for mental illness that would bring about such tragedy. I see human beings who will write letters, raise money and volunteer to help others in need - whether they know them personally or not.

I am so terribly, terribly sad today as I'm sure I will be for many days ahead - but want desperately to share with people that all the debate about gun control and school safety can and will have a time and place.. regardless of your stand on the issues. For now, remember there is an entire generation of amazing young people waiting to take over the running of our country... world even; and they need our leadership and modeling. Show them compassion for the mentally ill, show them how to make policy to help those in need, show them we can come together to mourn and support regardless of political party/opinion, religion or race.   And pray for us all.