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“Ohhhh… balloons!” came the breathless voice of my toddler. Her striped tights-clad legs methodically kicked the back of my seat and I paused to thank God for that sweet discomfort.
She had no idea those balloons represented the lives lost in Friday’s senseless school shooting.
“Pray for Newtown,” my son read off sign after sign as we drove closer and closer to Sandy Hook. “Well, that’s awesome! Why don’t we have those in all towns? You know, not just “Welcome to ___town”, but “PRAY for ___town”… that seems like a good idea!”
Media swarms. They are EVERYWHERE. The four blocks from the flagpole to the doctor’s office typically take under two minutes. Today, they take more than fifteen. I take the time as I crawl along to read all the effigies, to gaze upon all the stuffed animals.
My children delight in the bears and angels and flowers.
And, perhaps, that’s just exactly as it should be. Perhaps that’s the point.
My children? Are just like the Sandy Hook children. I have six- and seven-year-olds (plus that little one with the kicky striped legs.) Sweet, innocent, beautiful souls who delight in angels and bears and balloons… who find joy in the simplest things.
So maybe it’s just right that they, even in the midst of the cameras and the misery and the police officers IN their school, smile and laugh and find complete and utter joy.
I don’t know. I really just don’t know.
I know that it’s hard to hide my own weeping. I know they have no idea why a cluster of pretty little angels would cause tears to pour down my cheeks. I know that, somehow, some way, through the serious combined efforts of parents, teachers, administrators, and bus drivers, they’ve thus-far been shielded.
It blows my mind that MY children, who are so very close to the tragedy, seem to have been better-shielded than so many children states and states away… how does THAT happen?
I don’t know.
If there’s one thing this disjointed post should tell you it’s that there’s a whole lot I don’t know…
But I know there’s beauty in this world. And I know that, even when I fail to see it, my children will find it for me.
God Bless the little children.
So true! Our children amaze us with their innocents and how they see the bright side in things that we wouldn’t. I’ve been having a hard time dealing with what happened and feeling safe leaving my kids at daycare. So much that I’ve been having anxiety and pain in my chest. However, my oldest seems to know that something is wrong but never asks, she just tells me a million times each day that she loves me and gives me LOTS and LOTS of hugs. God knew what He was doing when He created these little people.
Yes, indeed– He sure does know!
That’s so sweet. My littlest one will sometimes catch me with tears in my eyes and she just looks at me and says, “I love you, Mommy.” They really do know just what we need, don’t they??
Love you, friend. And I’m so very thankful that your kids have been shielded. There’s wisdom there that’s lacking elsewhere. So glad to know it!
Also, tell Thor that the marriage deal is sealed. He may ask for either of my daughters’ hands anytime. What a wonderful boy! Pray for San Diego…
It’s a deal! Now where will they live… hmmm…
You’re son is awesome. I’m crying and completely inspired over here.
Aw, thanks, Katie. He’s a pretty neat kid, if I do say so myself.
Kids are amazing and I love that they can find joy even in such tragic times. There are many things that I don’t know these days either.Stopping by from PYHO
Thanks so much for stopping by, Julia! Yeah… I don’t know many people who feel like they can “know” or understand much these days.
I am with Katie, your son has the right idea. We should be praying for every town when we enter and drive through it. I know I won’t be able to look at another welcome sign without also thinking about praying for the town. Thanks for sharing.
I love, love, love, love, love what your son said about praying for towns- what a sweet boy to think of that.
Children help us through the tough times, just by being so innocent. I’m glad yours are reminding you of the good things.
Yeah I don’t understand how kids far away know more than yours. I really see no purpose in telling my kids about it. They are just way too little to “get it” in my opinion.
This is just so so so sweet… I wish I was closer so I could hug you. And you beautiful children!
Oh, your sweet innocent kids! Helping to make us see the beauty that is still in this world.