Ripple Effects

Yesterday, tragedy struck in one of the most unimaginable places – an elementary school.

I spent yesterday with my own little treasures — our granddaughters — so was not completely “in the loop” as the event unfolded on the television or social media.  Oh sure — I could have been.  There were naps and playtime that would have provided me the chance to skim through the Facebook posts and internet headlines.  But quite honestly, once I heard of the event – I just wanted to embrace the day for what it was.  A fun day with the little ones.

It did filter in when we bundled up into the car and went to pick the oldest granddaughter up at school though.  I waited patiently in the car line, with a renewed appreciation for the adults helping direct traffic – checking vehicles to ensure they did indeed “belong” in line – and making sure the little ones got into the correct vehicles quickly and safely.

Were they all thinking of the events in Connecticut?  I’m sure they were — how could you not?  And how could it not factor into daily school life as we know it today, and what it will look like in the days to come?

It’s tragic that schools must think about, plan and train for events like yesterday.  But they do.  That’s why teachers knew to move students to a bathroom and baracade the door.  That’s why someone actually thought to turn on the loud speaker in the office as chaos errupted there.  Lessons learned from past events, and training to help our educators think of the unthinkable.

I wish the world were simpler — that the words “active shooter” and “school” had never been linked together.  But they have — and we can’t go back from that. 

So – if you are a parent or grandparent (foster, step – it all counts) or guardian of a child – some simple suggestions:

• Schools and daycares have emergency plans — Know them and Understand them
• As a family, you should also have an emergency plan — Know it, Practice it (and if you don’t have one yet – Create it!)
• Yesterday’s events will be all over the news, on TV, the internet and in conversations everywhere.  Know what your child is listening to, and help limit their exposure, and be a part of discussions to help answer their questions accurately.
• To go with that suggestion — if your child is in school, check with them to see if there are any special discussion sessions available for you and/or your child.

But most importantly – Remember to enjoy and treasure what’s most important.  Today.

Each “today” we’re given is special – and it is our job to help the little ones in our lives to feel loved and treasured each and every one of those “today’s”. 

If you have a special little one (or perhaps a “not-so-little” one!) in your life – be sure you tell them how special they truly are.  Phone, text, email, Facebook — lots of options here folks — Today would be a fabulous time to start!