When yesterday started, moms and dads sent their children to school without fear, without thought, without worry. The children went to school innocent, full of giggles and happiness, with no fear.
On Monday when we send our children to school many parents will be apprehensive, many will hug their child just a little to long, give just a few to many kisses. Children will go to school most still with their innocence in tact, but for some they will go to school scared and fearful of what might happen, and rightfully so.
Yesterday 20 children and 6 of their teachers and staff members joined the choir of heaven all to soon. I still can't wrap my head around it. I cried more yesterday than I have in a month. My heart to so sad for those mama's and dad's who won't put their babies to bed again till they are reunited in heaven. My heart breaks for the innocence that was lost by all the other elementary schoolers who had to witness the horrific incident yesterday. My heart bleeds for the families who are having to hold the babies who are still here and try to explain why this happend to their friends.
The only thing that I can find to lean on is my faith. I know that God was there, holding the hand of all 26 people as they entered heaven yesterday. I can't say why these things happen, other than we are human and God loved us so much that He gave us the right to choose our own paths. And some people don't choose a good path. Some people choose a bad path, a very bad path. But there are still good people in the world. Those teachers who protected the children? They are good people. The police men who ran into the school without thought for themselves? They are good people. The firefighters who helped the teachers get the kids to safety? They are good people. The children who were brave and followed the instructions of terrified adults? They are WONDERFUL people. This is what I find hope in here on Earth... That there are still good people willing to fight for and protect others.
These are just some thoughts that I have had in the past 24 hours.... Here are some other things that I find hope and solice in...
John 11:35, "Jesus wept." (I know that Jesus cried yesterday while holding those babies in His arms.)
Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Someone once told me to remember the fact that where there are shadows, there is light. I find hope in that light.)
My heart, love, hope, prayers, thoughts and wishes go out to the people who are involved in this tragedy.