The National Ache

I’m in the car right now heading toward our family Christmas for my day’s side of the family. Can’t say I’m feeling the Christmas spirit though, listening to NPR trying to explain this horror. Im just going to type and hope something worthy appears, because I feel drawn to write about this, but then again, what is there to say? Its shocking to me how the world keeps going after events such as these. This tragedy is completely unimaginable, and it has left me with this knot in the pit of my stomach. The horror is multiplied by the fact that it is so relatable. Parents are hugging their kids, kids are thinking about the fact that it could have been them, teachers are putting themselves in their classrooms figuring out what they would do. Everyone knows a student or a teacher. Everyone knows the beautiful innocence within all kids. I’m left thinking of all fellow students, as well as past teachers, some of whom I consider family. I was most moved hearing the story of the 27 year old teacher that hid her kids in the closet, told the gunman they were in the gym, and ended up being killed while leaving all of her students unharmed. As a student, there are teachers that I consider family and teachers that I can’t stand, but there isn’t one that wouldn’t try to protect all of us in a situation like this. Teachers, especially teachers that are parents, have a goal to protect their students as their own, and it’s truly a beautiful thing. In all of our moments of prayer, silence and remembrance, let’s also honor all the teachers that would do the same thing this young woman did if put in the position.
I hope everyone effected, in big or small ways, can heal and take “meaningful action” to add more love to this crazy world.
Hug someone today.
Peace-