As selfish as it seems, upon hearing the tragic news of the Connecticut elementary school shooting, I could only think of one thing–to hug my children tightly. I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to all parties involved, and I am definitely going to continue the FOCUS: PEACE meditations and pray for peace in all our hearts. But what keeps coming up over and over is my need to hug my children who are in school at this very moment.
Like all other parents hearing this news, I struggle with what to do in a situation like this. Is there anyway I could have prevented this from happening? What if I had voted for tougher gun laws? What if I had petitioned for better education or health care services?
What can I do right now to prevent anything like this from happening again? And all I can think of is pulling my kids out of school and hugging them close.
But maybe that is the best thing I can do. As news comes out about the shooting, we are learning that the shooter was not much older than the children in the school–around 20 years old. I can’t imagine why anyone would do what he did. The only things that I can think of that would have prevented him from pulling that trigger are love and understanding. He must have lost all faith in love to have chosen to attack innocent children. What if someone had given him the love that he needed? What if someone had hugged him close and told him it would be ok?
I can’t do anything now to prevent what has already happened. I can’t mend the hearts of all the mothers and fathers whose children are gone. All I can do is hug my children tightly, love them deeply, and pray that they will never feel as desperate or as unloved as this shooter.
everyday gurus 
Very well spoken, indeed.
Thanks, Cassandra. I just needed to write something this morning. Writing and reading posts like yours helped me deal with the horror I was witnessing. Thank you for your comment and compassion.
Yes, Kozo. I share your sentiments. I’m quite shaken over the news. When things like this happen, it’s hard to not ask why, and in the end, is there ever really an answer for why?
I agree, Dieu, there are no answers. As the father of two young boys, I just felt powerless this morning. My only tools to change the world are my lovingkindness and my writing.
I know your poetry affects people in a positive way. I just wish the shooter would have read some poetry or inspirational writing or listened to some Bob Marley or something. You never know what effect one word can have on people.
Thank you for your comment and your poetry.
Now words can possibly express how hideous this tragedy has been for these children and their families…
Hug the children today and tomorrow and the next day and forever…
I couldn’t agree more, Dianne. Now more than ever is the time to give hugs to everyone around us. Thank you for your wise words. {{{Hugs}}}
Today Sweet Son is sick and I find myself hovering over him constantly, hugging him, kissing him and reveling in how lucky I am. My heart bleeds for all the families struck by yesterday’s tragedy and I keep sending loving thoughts and prayers their way
I think every parent is holding their kids closely today. We are blessed if we can just recognize the blessings. Hope your son feels better. Many times when our children are sick they let us hug them a lot more than when they are healthy. 🙂 Thanks for the comment and like, Anyes.
Beautifully and tenderly written, about such a hard subject. And your focus is ever unfailing – to focus on peace, and what can I do today? Hug our children, our loved ones, close! Thank you for bringing your bright shining Light into the world through this lovely blog. May all hearts be healed and may we all enjoy peace. Namaste. ~Gina
Thank you for the comment, Gina. I agree–May ALL hearts be healed. One of the sayings I am fond of is “all attacks are a cry for help.” Our society is crying for help. Let’s offer a kind hand any way we can. In Gratitude, Kozo
{{{HUGS}}}
Thank you, Eliz. I feel like loved. {{{Hugs}}} back.
P.S. You are going to be sorry you showed me this hug symbol. I use it on every other comment. 🙂
🙂 Pathetic! I noticed too… Sheesh Kozo! Do I have to copyright this one? {{{HUGS}}} just kidding 😆 😆 😆
That is why I don’t use all capitals–to beat the copyright. haha. {{{Hugs}}}
Smart… very smart or should I call you slick? It’s all good. TY for the laughter… much needed in the world. 🙂