Have you ever seen this children’s verse by A.A. Milne?
Now We Are Six
When I was one I had just begun
When I was two I was nearly newWhen I was three I was hardly me
When I was four I was not much moreWhen I was five I was just alive
But now I am six, I’m as clever as clever;So I think I’ll be six now for ever and ever.
Now I read it and think of the 20 innocent child victims from Sandy Hook School. I’ve never been so grief stricken and depressed over people I don’t know. But I’m starting to get that I DO know them.
Because I live with a 7,7, and 5 year olds. All their endearing nuances…like when my son raced home yesterday and talked about learning algebra (though he’s only in grade 2) and finished by saying “and I understanded it!” …0r the smell of my 5 year old’s cheeks when she climbed into bed with me this morning…or my other daughter asking me if I’m going to cry at her wedding.
I could go on.
In the meantime I am soaking them up, like healing hydration. 
And this is what has kept me going.
Is anyone else still having a hard time?
Yup but kids do have that healing power
thanks E….that they do.
My heart is very heavy for the children, their families and the community of Newtown, Ct. Last night was my twins Christmas Pageant at school and my daughter was dressed as an angel & so excited to have such an important role. I have to say that it was hard to not cry when they sang. My thoughts kept going to the parents who will never be able to hug their babies again; the siblings who won’t be able to share secrets, fight, laugh and giggle together. It hits all too close to home.
A tragedy like this helps us to appreciate what we do have and cherish our time with our blessings. Never take anything for granted.
I’m sure you weren’t alone with your thoughts in that audience. Thanks for your feedback…makes a lot of sense.
Barb- I can not even look at those innocent little faces without breaking into tears. I am so grateful for all that I have and pray to God that I never have to bury my children. It is my absoulte greatest fear.
Lisa, it IS the worst thing imaginable. I hear you.
Yes. All my friends are. I feel strange getting ready for Christmas knowing how heavy hearts are in CT for all they lost. It makes me want to hold my boys a bit closer, think before I yell about something, and just remember how fortunate I am. But that doesn’t mean I can’t stop crying on and off all day long as I read a news update, or another teacher account or see a picture of one of those little angels. I am so depressed and it makes me crazy to think there is nothing I can do to ease their pain. I also so afraid for the world they are growing up in and I worry deeply about something like this happening again.
I can relate to everything you wrote. I’ve had to stop reading, watching and listening about it. Instead, I’m trying to focus on being grateful.