It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the horrific events unfolded at Sandy Hook Elementary on 12/14/12. I feel like so much has happened since then, but I still get emotional when I read updates and remembrance pages. I was home, on maternity leave, that horrible day as I watched the news. I remember being almost paralyzed, shocked and numb thinking "why in the world would someone hurt innocent children?" Obviously, this person was way beyond needing help.
As a mom, I think we really do take things to heart and internalize them. I remember going to pickup my son from school, hugging him so tightly and not wanting to let go, fighting back tears, and trying to shield him from the news for several days after the event so he wouldn't be exposed to it, wouldn't be scared of going back to school or fear for his own safety.
I commend the ISD where we live for immediately moving to action. All doors, except the main doors by the office were locked. Yes, it was a little inconvenient at times, but I will take inconvenience any day to ensure the safety of our children. We had police presence at school for the remainder of the school year. In fact, one father who was retired military, stood at the front of the school every day for the remainder of December to welcome the kids and help make sure that they felt safe. Now, inside all of the elementary schools, you are only able to gain access through the main doors. When you go to the main doors, you used to be able to walk through the main hallway or go to the office. That is no longer the case. There is now protective glass (I am assuming bullet-proof) and locked doors on either side so that no one is able to get through unless you are an ISD employee. Everyone else is ushered directly to the office. It was a little numbing at first to know that this is what our schools are having to do in order to ensure safety, but it also means that they truly care about the safety and welfare of our children, and for that I am grateful.
My heart still hurts for Newtown and the parents, friends, families of the victims. I hope that time has helped or started the healing process, although one never really recovers from a loss of a loved one. It's about finding a new 'normal'. I hope that you all feel the prayers and blessings that are continued to be sent your way, I hope that Christ has helped you find solace in your loss, love in your memories and your children's legacies.
We will always remember...
© Cruzin' Thru | 2013
As a mom, I think we really do take things to heart and internalize them. I remember going to pickup my son from school, hugging him so tightly and not wanting to let go, fighting back tears, and trying to shield him from the news for several days after the event so he wouldn't be exposed to it, wouldn't be scared of going back to school or fear for his own safety.
I commend the ISD where we live for immediately moving to action. All doors, except the main doors by the office were locked. Yes, it was a little inconvenient at times, but I will take inconvenience any day to ensure the safety of our children. We had police presence at school for the remainder of the school year. In fact, one father who was retired military, stood at the front of the school every day for the remainder of December to welcome the kids and help make sure that they felt safe. Now, inside all of the elementary schools, you are only able to gain access through the main doors. When you go to the main doors, you used to be able to walk through the main hallway or go to the office. That is no longer the case. There is now protective glass (I am assuming bullet-proof) and locked doors on either side so that no one is able to get through unless you are an ISD employee. Everyone else is ushered directly to the office. It was a little numbing at first to know that this is what our schools are having to do in order to ensure safety, but it also means that they truly care about the safety and welfare of our children, and for that I am grateful.
My heart still hurts for Newtown and the parents, friends, families of the victims. I hope that time has helped or started the healing process, although one never really recovers from a loss of a loved one. It's about finding a new 'normal'. I hope that you all feel the prayers and blessings that are continued to be sent your way, I hope that Christ has helped you find solace in your loss, love in your memories and your children's legacies.
We will always remember...
© Cruzin' Thru | 2013