They Aren't Supposed to Find

This is taken from Lysa TerKeurst's blog:

"There are things mommies aren’t ever supposed to find. They aren’t supposed to find themselves in a firehouse frantically looking for their child. They aren’t supposed to find their child’s name on a list of those who won’t be coming home. They aren’t supposed to find a dress to wear to their child’s funeral.  They aren’t supposed to turn their calendar and find a date circled for the birthday party they were supposed to be planning next month. The one that won’t be. Or walk to the mailbox and find their child’s dentist appointment reminder card. The receptionist forgot to pull that one out.   Or find a book they know their child would love. Only half way to the check out counter they remember, they’re gone."

When I heard the news about the shooting in Connecticut, I think I subconsciously chose not to dwell on it or make it personal.  It was not until Monday morning at school that it became very personal.  At our staff meeting that morning, as we talked through changes in our safety procedures,  I put myself in the situation.  I was thinking about the principal, the secretary, the psychologist, the first graders that were murdered.  I looked around at my principal, secretary, psychologist, and first graders that were standing in front of me.  After the announcements and a statement from the principal over the PA, we all have a moment of silence. 

It's sad to me that it takes something like this to snap me back to reality.  That same day I was frustrated at my students because they are anxious and squirmy, waiting (not so patiently) for Christmas.  When I heard the news that afternoon, my frustrations were simply gone.  I have absolutely nothing to complain about!  It was not until Monday morning, after hearing the names and seeing the faces of the six year old students in Connecticut, that I took a closer look at my six year olds and  realized how much I love them.