Thoughts on Sandy Hook

All weekend I've been trying to wrap my head around the tragedy in Connecticut. I keep thinking of the families left behind and the pain and heartache they must feel. I wouldn't even begin to say "I understand" because I don't. I keep asking, How does something like this happen? Why does this happen? What was so wrong in that young person's life that he thought this was his only recourse? There are no answers, of course. We may never really know for certain. I just know it happened. That's all. It was an unspeakable, evil that entered that school that day and took 26 innocent lives.

As a parent of 2 children, my heart breaks a million times for the parents missing their babies today. How unfair! These families sent their children off to school like we all do on a daily basis. School. A safe place. A home away from home. I think about what the teachers and staff went through on that day. They are all true heroes in my eyes. I know they did everything that was right by those children. They protected them. They told them they loved them. They told them to smile. They made them feel safe even though I'm sure fear ran deep within them. So brave! Everyone at Sandy Hook, children and adults, are my heroes today.

As I enter my classroom today, I will look at my students a little differently. I will think about what truly matters and I will remember that they are someone's baby!

My friend Denise over at Sunny Days in Second Grade wrote a beautiful reflection on this topic. Her words echo my exact thoughts! Give it a read!

If you would like to reach out to the teachers, families, and community of Newtown, you can send cards and letters to:
Sandy Hook Elementary
12 Dickinson Dr.
Sandy Hook, CT 06482

Or send donations to:
Sandy Hook School Support Fund
c/o Newtown Savings Bank
39 Main St.
Newtown, CT 06470