This morning, I had a hard time leaving Myles as he prepared for his day of Kindergarten. We made a decision as parents not to inform our children of the tragedy. At their very young ages, we want them to be children and not worry about adult issues. This decision did not come without fear of Myles finding out elsewhere and not hearing it from us (which he did not). I am confident that Myles would do exactly as instructed if ever he was in a crisis situation. Thus, I couldn't see the gain in taking away his innocence in viewing school as a safe haven. I want him to feel safe in school and enjoy the caring and nurturing learning environment that his teacher has created. So, this morning, I told him how much I love him, gave him too many hugs and kisses, and prayed to God for children everywhere in our country heading to school. (And cried my way to work.)
I don't know how people affected can get past such a tragic event, but I do know what I plan to do. Focus on the good. Focus on the heroes. Focus on the innocent babies that are at peace in Heaven. And pray. Pray for the victims and their families. Pray for your children. Pray for my children. Pray for our country to find peace in a world of increasing violence.
I'm grateful. I'm grateful for the children asleep tonight, tucked into their beds. I'm grateful for Myles' teacher that I was able to share notes with on our feelings. Grateful for the good...and something to look towards.
Give your babies extra hugs and kisses. Tell them you love them...too many times. Cherish them.
Sending hugs to all of you, my friends.
I was so glad Jake was home sick on Friday so I could just snuggle him after I heard the news. When I turned the tv on to watch cartoons, jake unfortunately saw a couple seconds of the news headlines (I was not fast enough with the remote and was unaware of the shootings at that time) I answered a couple questions and then moved on with our day hoping that it would be forgotten and I could keep him from hearing anymore about it. I too want him to keep school as a safe haven and not to be frightened to go to a place that he loves so much. I was a worried mess this morning about what he would hear but he came home excited to tell me about his day as usual. My kids mean the world to me and it's so hard to let them have wings and discover this world when it can be so cruel. I just continue to give them hugs, snuggles and let them know how many people love them and put them in Gods hands hoping they come back safely to me everyday. I read a blog tonight that is no longer on Facebook but you can google it. It sums up I think how we as mothers of children of the age of the victims are feeling. It's under What six feels like by j Rowe Walters. Make sure you have Kleenex when you read it! Sending big hugs to you and your kids! Hopefully I will see you Thursday at the class party!
ReplyDeleteYour word describe to a tee how I was feeling on Monday morning. Hugs to you. Thanks for the tip on the blog post. I read it. She hit the nail on the head. See you Thursday!!! :)
DeleteIt's also under the blog the real housewives of Cleveland county
ReplyDeleteGreat post Nicole~ As my second graders arrived on Monday, I stood at my classroom door and hugged each and everyone of them and told them how glad I was to see them. As an educator and a mom, I was extremely emotional. There was no discussion of what happened on Friday in Newtown.Ironically, our school was scheduled for a routine lockdown drill on Friday, however after the happenings in Connecticut, the police department postponed it. So thankful for that.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful teacher you are. Your kids are so lucky. Hugs to you.
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