Can I just say how much I love my job??! The kids I work with push my buttons, drive me crazy, frustrate me, push me to my limits, on occasions refuse to listen, and make extremely big messes, yet at the same time, they look up to me, love me, want to be like me, bring me presents/drawings, give me the best hugs and have a light and an innocence that is irresistible! Often times I wish I could be like them! I see the light in their eyes and the love they have for life and I wish I could see the world the way they do!
I took these pictures friday morning before I was aware of what happened in Connecticut. I had a parent come pick up their child early during lunch and I said, yay Caitlyn you get to have an early day. Her dad responded solemnly, yeah with all thats going on and watching the news I couldn't leave my girls in school. I felt so bad, I had no clue what he was talking about. I shook my head in agreement and then they left. After I got lunch cleaned up and the kids settled down for nap one of the school managers came in the room and told us about the shooting. I was very frustrated that they had not informed us sooner, all of the pieces fit together now. Why a lot of kids were not in attendance, why parents had been picking up their students early. During nap time that day I truly contemplated how special each of my students are to me and what I would do for them. Sadly, for once I truly appreciated my 30 squirming preschoolers refusing to go to bed! I appreciated my students presence in that moment and it didn't matter what they had done previously, what they did that day, or what they will do. I appreciate the opportunity I have had to be their teacher and the little moments that I truly cherish having spent my days with them.
My heart goes out to the many families who lost their children on this tragic day. It's heartbreaking to know for some parents today this was the last day they got to see their beautiful child and hold them in their arms. How unexpected and tragic, yet at the same time I am grateful to know they are now in the arms of our loving savior. I know they were welcomed home with open arms and one day they will be reunited with their families again. I was in shock this day as many others were, but I am amazed at the grace and heroic acts of many educators who gave their own lives that day. I heard many stories on the news that day and saw many pictures and posts on the social media and I decided to repost some here that stood out to me.
First, this beautiful poem, written by Cameo Smith, that my friend reposted:
Twas' 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 on earth, the world far below
He saw all of 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."
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 on earth, the world far below
He saw all of 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."
Second, my cousin posted this:
As sad as the massacre in CT is, there is a shiny little positive to it. They are in their Savior's arms right now. Lucky them.
The children in Connecticut...
Third, my friend Amanda shared this beautiful photo:
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