I am sure most of you heard the news on Friday morning about Sandy Hook Elementary School and felt the same way I did. Whether you are a parent, single, married, student, or just the average Joe, my bets are that you took a moment to stop and process what you heard. If you didn’t, you might want to check for a heartbeat.
I’m not sure if I’ve shared on my blog before but I am a former 3rd grade teacher. Teaching is a huge passion of mine and I care so much about those students that my heart aches. I would do anything for them and they know/knew that. Those few times a year where we had to practice our drills in case an intruder entered our building always opened up a can of worms for questions and “what ifs.” We would sit for a while afterwards and reflect on how yes, we were safe, and yes, we knew what to do in case of an emergency situation (and in case I was in the bathroom, or they were in the hallway/bathroom, or if they were on their way to the library), but you can never quite prepare yourself mentally for a true incident like the one that occurred on Friday in that elementary school.
Luckily, I had my parents in town this weekend visiting from NC so it made it much better for me to be surrounded by those that I loved. My heart aches for the victims, parents, other students, and everyone directly and indirectly involved in that massacre. If I can leave you with one thing today, it is to live in the moment. Spend that extra time playing with your kids, take an extra moment to sit and chat with your mom/dad about your day and let them know you love them, and don’t put off what you should do now.
So I urge you, love those moments. They won’t be around forever.
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TWEETABLE (Click to Tweet): Live in the Moment. Remembering Sandy Hook Elementary! @realpromisestn
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