My students arrived to school today with bright, bright eyes and arms wide open ready for their morning hug or handshake that I greet them with each morning. I had mentally prepared myself about what to say in case one of them mentioned last Friday’s events in Newtown. They didn’t mention anything and went about their business today as happy, thoughtful, amazing kindergartners. The adults in our building seemed to let our good mornings linger a bit longer and our senses elevated a bit.
I haven’t intensely followed the news coverage of this latest horrible event. I’ve read a few articles and listened to the radio quite a bit, but I just can’t let myself think about it too much. Thinking about it makes me feel a deep sadness and shakes my core. I can too easily imagine how things happened in Connecticuit and I don’t want to imagine the heaviness that so many are now carrying….and will carry forever. The amount of sorrow that I feel, as a teacher, a mother and a citizen of the world, is nothing compared to what those in the Newtown community are feeling.
When Tamara posted the Mr. Rogers quote on Facebook and later sent it out to our staff, it seemed fitting and gave me some solace. If Maggie were old enough to talk about things, I’d use his words to help shape the conversation. I also find hope and encouragement in the bright eyes of my students….
