Doing Our Part When Tragedy Hits

My heart is heavy this morning. As I lay here in my favorite spot on the couch – which is, also, everyone else’s favorite spot for some reason – with my one year old cuddled up next to me and my four year old curled at my feet watching Saturday morning cartoons, my mind goes to the parents, families and friends in grief, shock and disbelief over the tragedies at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut.

My social media threads are filled with people seemingly far removed from this tragedy but connected as parents, as educators, as family, as caring human beings.  Just typing these words has me tearing up because when something like this happens – it’s a glaring reminder that our lives can be changed so quickly by something we have no control over.  A reminder that those we love and protect and cherish can be taken away by the senseless actions of someone else.

Reach out to those that you love.  Remember that we never know when it’s going to be the last time we see their face or hear their voice.  

If you have children in your lives and homes, please be mindful and careful of what you say and how you say it.  They pick up on so much and internalize it in ways we often don’t even notice.

Do something kind. Be a blessing to someone – no matter how small or insignificant the gesture may seem.  Leave a kind note on a napkin telling your server how great they were and that you hope they have a fantastic week.  During the holiday season, so many seem to already be on an emotional roller-coaster.  Make someone smile and lift their spirits.

Volunteer to help others and give back to your community.  You don’t have to journey to the area impacted by these tragedies to make a difference.  Start in your own backyard and lend a hand to those right around you.

Sadly, nothing we say or do will change what happened yesterday.  Over the days, weeks, months and years – many will struggle to come to terms with the loss and devastation.  My thoughts and prayers are with them.  We can make changes within ourselves and our communities to care more, share more, and give more.