God bless them

What happened last week was devastating to our nation, our safety, our thoughts, our hearts, our souls, and to 26 entire families. Christmas time is supposed to be one of PEACE....and this year is it anything but.

This tragic event has changed the world.

I cannot believe something so horrifying has happened in our country. I have to ardently force myself to focus my thoughts elsewhere as this grief is too overwhelming. I have been fully submerging myself in my daughter's smile but the profound sadness I feel for those families is constantly lingering.  As a parent of a small child I am particularly sensitive. As I am modifying our daily lives I am anxious about her future. And I think about the day that she finds out about this. Whether she's 7 years old or 30 years old, I dread that day. What will I tell her?

We have been out several times in the past week and there is a distinct energy- People are looking at children and seeing them as the rare precious gems that they are. People are more protective, affectionate, compassionate, patient, empathetic and loving with their own children as well as every other child who passes by. I can FEEL the appreciation of how truly special each individual child is....It feels as if I'm walking around with a celebrity.

I will not let one person who is so bad stop me from trying to be good and do good. More than ever I am grateful to be a stay at home mommy and I pledge to being the very best mother I can be. My every moment is dedicated towards raising a child who is a gift to the world.

Please be kind, be cautious, be grateful, be respectful and let our hearts be with those precious babies and their dear parents who are suffering.

I think we are all asking God 'why did this happen?' 'how did you let this happen?' 'how can I help?'

Personally, I believe that God exists, I believe that evil exists. I believe that God is closest to those with broken hearts and I believe that His heart is broken too.

"God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away."
 Revelations 21:4

I wanted to share this post below that I found online, before I do, I want to say that it is ONLY with the absolute deepest respect and sympathy that I have chosen to share these words. This poem was not written by me, and I cannot say that I like it because of the reason for which it has been written. I think it's a perspective worth sharing....

"It was 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."

when what to their wondering eyes did appear,

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring.

those children all flew into the arms of their King

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

and as if He could read all the questions she had

He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

then He looked down to Earth, the world far below

He saw all the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

"Let My power and presence re-enter this land."

"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"

I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools."

then He and the Children stood up without a sound.

"come now my children, let me show you around."

excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.

all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

and I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

"in the midst of this darkness, I am still the light."