I wasn’t planning to write today. I thought, if anything, I’d start a new weekly Friday series called “snapshots”, to share photos and a quote or a few words.
Well, I don’t have many words to share today, and I certainly don’t have it in me to share any photos.
I got home today from my new job, chatting away to Josh about my morning. During a pause in my talking, he told me about the shooting. My brain switched off from everything, and I went straight to my phone to text my family in Connecticut, and to my best friend, whose brother and family live in Newtown (thankfully, his children go to the other school in Newtown).
Though I am not a parent, I certainly still feel pain and grief about the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. I have cried a few times already today – while eating my lunch and remembering doing lockdown drills with my middle school students a few years ago, and while watching President Obama hold back tears during his speech.
As a teacher, I feel for all of the other teachers out there, working to educate children, do our jobs well, and keep children safe.
As someone who grew up in Connecticut not too far from Newtown, I feel for the other people from my home state who are shaken up from today’s events.
As a human, I feel heartbroken for the lost lives, and angered that anyone could do such a monstrous thing.
I’m sure this holiday season, we’ll all be more grateful than ever for our loved ones. May you all hold those you love a little tighter tonight.
