December 14th 2012

12/14/2012

I imagine we will see many posts, newscasts, reports and the such for the next while about the recent Connecticut school shooting and Chengping school stabbing, but I would like to share my thoughts.

My of course initial feelings when hearing these two incidents, was immediate sadness. Hearing both events made me cry. I’m actually tearing as I write that, thinking about it again. Innocent children in places of safety. It’s heart wrenching.

My next feelings are of complete fear. Fear of what world I have chosen to raise my children in. Was the world this scary as our parents and grandparents raised us? My head starts to swirl of wonder if there really truly is a “safe place”. I see many people posting that they would seriously consider homeschooling their children. According to this resources there has been 77 school shootings worldwide since 1996. Just under 17 years. This number does not include the stabbing mentioned above. Just shootings. So fear seems justified.

The following feeling comes after reading a quote from an unknown source. “May your faith always exceed your fears – no price is too great to go through life afraid” I am not a person of religious following, but I am choosing to have faith in my ability to enjoy my life with my family, without fear of what may happen. I will remember to hold my loved ones more closely, tell them I love them and spend more time in their presence.

I will be choosing to be comforted by the thought of having my loved ones, instead of living in fear. And I hope you find your own comfort in that thought too.

My heart breaks for the families and I wish them and you peace.

Let’s raise our children to be the ones to change the world.