As my fellow mom bloggers divided up dates to acknowledge the victims of the December Sandy Hook shootings, we each signed up for 1-2 days each to post ways to share kindness as a rememberence to those who lost their lives.
My day was the 5th and I apologize for posting this at the last minute. You see, today I spent alot of time with my children. Since December 14th, I have been holding my children, ages 3 and 10 months, alot more.
The dishes don’t get done as quickly, toys are often layng around house and I think about them and wonder if they are okay more often while they are at the sitter on the days I work.
Sandy Hook didn’t just take the lives of a mother, innocent children and brave educators, it took away our sense of security that our children will be safe when we send them out in the world to learn and grow.
If there is some good that we can find in this tradegy, it is that the words “I love you” are getting said alot more often and there are alot more hugs in the world. But unfortnately, all those hugs will not return 20 children and 7 adults to their families. And because of this, it is important for us to remember those and make the world a better place in their memory.
And in memory of Daniel Barden, age 7, I encourage you to share the gift of laughter with others.
Learn a good (clean) joke you can share with a stranger having a bad day.
Tickle your kids till their silly when tensions mount up at home.
Be the first to find joy in the company of others.
Smile. Often.
More about Daniel…
According to Daniel Barden’s family, he “embodied everything that is wholesome and innocent in the world,” CNN reports. He loved adventure and pursued happiness fearlessly. He enjoyed soccer, swimming and music — even forming a band with his siblings. Daniel was “always smiling, unfailingly polite, incredibly affectionate, fair and so thoughtful toward others, imaginative in play, both intelligent and articulate in conversation: in all, a constant source of laughter and joy,” his parents said in a statement.
This tragedy has made a difference. At first it was sadness mixed with fear. Now it’s sadness mixed with need to make changes. You have made a change with your post. Thank you.