It has taken me a week now since the unspeakable tragedy occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary to gather enough courage to write about it.  I’m writing now with hope that my typing fingers will help me in some way to return to my normal self.

I have been going through the motions this week of taking my kids to school, picking them up from school, driving them to after school activities, having playdates at our house, all while gulping down incredible sorrow for the 26 families affected last Friday.

Its almost as if I have strapped on a suit of armor in an attempt to keep the emotions at bay.

The armor breaks, though, as my eyes tear up several times per day when the horrific event enters my mind.  My gut feels like it has been punched, and its not recovering at all from the deep anguish and sorrow it feels for the victims.

As a Mom, I have had to stay strong and put on a smile for my little ones, but its difficult, really, really difficult.

Nothing anyone can say will make this better, ever.

The only thing to do is move on and focus on better security for our schools.  And better treatments and more watchful eyes on the mentally ill.

The perspective that magically arises out of an event like this is valuable for parents, and for everyone.

Appreciate and hug your kids ALL the time.  The little things don’t matter.  Kids are absolute treasures and should be treated as such every day.

Remember……..

Try not to let your feathers get too ruffled when the cherry cough syrup is spilled all over your minivan seats.

Its ok if your child’s indoor volume control still needs some work.

When they throw their star wars action figures into a glass of milk every now and then, its ok.

When they forget that their shoes are covered in three inches of mud before entering the minivan, its going to be just fine.

Everything can be cleaned.

Restoring Faith in Humanity

In an attempt to find light and good, I have found a few photos online that are helping restore my faith in humanity, and at the very least, are making me smile.  I’m sharing them with you below.

Source: BuzzFeed

Jennifer Foster was visiting Times Square on Nov. 14 when she snapped the heartwarming moment. Here’s her account of what happened:

“Right when I was about to approach, one of your officers came up behind him. The officer said, ‘I have these size 12 boots for you, they are all-weather. Let’s put them on and take care of you.’ The officer squatted down on the ground and proceeded to put socks and the new boots on this man. The officer expected NOTHING in return and did not know I was watching*. I have been in law enforcement for 17 years. I was never so impressed in my life. I did not get the officer’s name. It is important, I think, for all of us to remember the real reason we are in this line of work. The reminder this officer gave to our profession in his presentation of human kindness has not been lost on myself or any of the Arizona law enforcement officials with whom this story has been shared.”

Source: Today Moms

This photo is of Walt Disney security guard, Freddie Wieczorek, getting an autograph from a 5-year-old “princess”.  He loves to see the kids’ faces brighten when he asks for their autograph.  He has now been at Walt Disney World for 4 1/2 years and has collected 1400 signatures.  This definitely makes me smile.

Source: BuzzFeed

Source: BuzzFeed

The face on the baby elephant is absolutely priceless.

Hopefully these photos put a genuine smile on your face or a revived spring in your step or maybe both.

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