Tragedy

So I know this is usually just a family blog but the recent tragedy in Connecticut has be consuming my mind. I will say that I had no problem dropping Landon off for his first day but last Friday was difficult for me. Especially upon learning right before school that most of the young victims were in a lower grade (they thought Kindergarten at the time but was later revealed grade 1). It is so hard to deal with the evil of this world especially when showed towards so many young innocent children. I'm so thankful for my beliefs and that I know these children are in a wonderful place now. I just pray for all those who survived, the families in their grief and the children who have to return to school. In a time of so much horror I found comfort in this quote by Fred Rogers (Mister Rogers)

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world."

It is important to realize that there was only one person who wanted to do harm (unfortunately a lot of harm) but so many others willing to do so much to save these children. I am given hope in this world and the peace I need to feel safe sending my child to school when I hear the stories of courage. One such story of courage was a teacher that locked her class and herself in a tiny bathroom that she blocked with a bookcase. She kept on telling the children that she loved them as she wanted them to know love in such a scary time, her concern for the children was so great that she would not unlock the door for the police but made them find a key to ensure the children were safe. I hold to the fact that many of the teachers held the children's safety above their own. I believe this to be true for most teachers, not just school.

I continue to pray for this town as they work to rebuild their shattered world. I hope they can find comfort in the Christmas season as I believe it is not just a message of Christ's birth but of his atonement as well.