It feels wrong to be thankful to be able to love my children when so many are unable to do so today. I struggle with how to make sense of it all and how to explain it to my children. I found some great resources on the internet to help prepare our children for returning to school.
I hope these resources will help some of you as well.
I have found that with my son that giving him the truth helps. We read some stories on the news (I avoided the videos as I think that would be harder for him) and looked at some pictures. We talked about how his teacher has a plan if anything bad happens. We gave him a plan for staying safe and calm. We talked about the fun the kids must be having in Heaven and how they don't have to brush their teeth after consuming large quantities of sugar any more (his add to the conversation).
He slept alone last night and only had woke up once. I am not sure how today at school will go but since it is a short, fun week.... I am hoping and praying he does well. I hugged him a little longer, kissed him a little more, and reminded him that I loved him and will miss him today.
I walked him to school, holding his hand, and tried to be brave as I silently prayed he would be returned to me tonight. Then I walked home with tears in my eyes wondering if he would come back to me at the end of the day. Its funny, its a thought I never had before and now I believe it will be with me every day for the rest of my life.
I foolishly assumed that an event like this could only occur in a high school. Never in an elementary school and that is one of the reasons why I choose to become an elementary teacher. I wondered at the importance of lock down drills at this age and now I am grateful for them.
I love this photo!
It says it all... its a day we will never forget.
Our hearts are broken ~ Our spirits are strong!
Misty I felt almost the same way today. I have a 4th grader and a 2nd grader and I really sheltered them from all the news. I was honest but brief. They didn't understand why everyone was so sad at church.
ReplyDeleteI think for me I knew they'd be safe but I knew I couldn't shelter them from what others might want to tell them about the events of Friday. I didn't want someone who parents weren't as selective with their words to invade my child's sense of comfort.