Tragedy

[BK METS]

I live and work about 10 minutes from the tragic shooting in Newtown, CT. I have many friends who live up there and just wanted to post, as a father of 3 young boys who go to school in the area, that this tragedy is as horrific an event that has ever happened in the United States and puts into perspective what blessings we have and, parents, hug your kid just a little tighter, when you see them...

[Greg Ambrosius]

What the hell has happened to our country when you can't even drop your kids off at school and feel safe? This is so tragic for that whole community and our prayers are with the families of the victims. I just can't imagine the horror up there and it's tough to watch right now on CNN. The number of victims just keeps rising. What a shame for all those kids in that school district. What a shame for all those families there. What a shame for our country.

[Outlaw]

Fantasy and reality collide. I agree, what the hell is going on in our country. Everyone seems to ignore the obvious these days. People stare at thier electronic gadgets like they are some sort of God. Young people are overexposed to violence, hatred, and everyhting thing else bad that exists on the internet. Electronic games spew death and destruction and we wonder where kids get all these ideas. Parents need to stop using Electroinc gadgets as baby sitters and time occupiers for thier kids. I could go on, but not here and not now. My thoughts and all our thoughts and hearts are with the poor children and thier famalies, as well as the teachers, friends and all americans who have suffered such a terrible tradgedy today. Another defining moment in American life is upon us yet once again.

Drafting and Fantasy baseball just doesnt feel good right now.

[Glenneration X]

One of the most horrible things I've ever heard. As the father of a child in kindergarten, my heart goes out to those parents who sent their children off to school today fully expecting to see them again, but never will. What has become of this world.

[Edwards Kings]

Every thing is as dust in my mouth since I heard about this.

Difficult to put in to words but I don't know how to feel. When hurt, I get angry and fight.

But there is no one to fight or even to hate as the killer is already dead.

None of the wounded children made it according to the news so there is no one to focus on or concentrate our good wishes on or to get behind and cheer for.

All we have left right now is to mourn as we imagine the unimaginable in our own world. I internalize, but it is not about me or you. It is about them. The children.

Most people I have met would do just about anything for a child, even one they do not know. As parents, it is our job to "fix" things, make it better. But these children are beyond our help which is something the "Dad" in me has difficulty in accepting. Based on what I believe, they are in God's loving hands now and that should make me feel better. Maybe later.

There is no other outlet for me but prayer. If there is any karma left in this world, I hope that those families, both of the children and the heroes who died trying to protect them, get at least some small relief from what I imagine is a global outpouring of the best thoughts and prayers we can muster for them.

[papa's nine]

i have tried several times to enter a post here. each time i try my eye water, actually cry, and I cant continue. Just thinking of the parents at home last night and this morning is almost unbearable for me. i just thank heaven that my nine grandchildren are all save at home in the arms of their mothers and fathers.

[BK METS]

Every thing is as dust in my mouth since I heard about this.

Difficult to put in to words but I don't know how to feel. When hurt, I get angry and fight.

But there is no one to fight or even to hate as the killer is already dead.

None of the wounded children made it according to the news so there is no one to focus on or concentrate our good wishes on or to get behind and cheer for.

All we have left right now is to mourn as we imagine the unimaginable in our own world. I internalize, but it is not about me or you. It is about them. The children.

Most people I have met would do just about anything for a child, even one they do not know. As parents, it is our job to "fix" things, make it better. But these children are beyond our help which is something the "Dad" in me has difficulty in accepting. Based on what I believe, they are in God's loving hands now and that should make me feel better. Maybe later.

There is no other outlet for me but prayer. If there is any karma left in this world, I hope that those families, both of the children and the heroes who died trying to protect them, get at least some small relief from what I imagine is a global outpouring of the best thoughts and prayers we can muster for them.

Very well said, Wayne. Being so close to the tragedy here in Connecticut, my boys elementary school had police at their school. The boys had many questions and it took me hours to get myself to the emotional level to even speak to them about it. It is every parents worst nightmare and watching the president (a man I did NOT vote for) get emotional yesterday was it for me. I was a basket case for the rest of the day. The details of this, going into a 5 or 6 year old classroom and killing 20 little kids is something I cannot fathom, and frankly, I dont think I will ever truly get over this. A state policeman friend of mine, one of the first responders to the shooting, who has a son in the school, said to me, when he arrived on the scene, he had to step over 2 dead girls bodies, in order to try and secure the scene. I cannot get that picture out of my head.... and I am crying, just writing this. I understand this is a fantasy baseball message board and I apologize for even starting this conversation here, but many of my very good friends are right here and for me, it is comforting just to be able to share and relieve some of the anguish I feel, and many feel in Connecticut and throughout the world, regarding yesterday's tragedy. I pray that, in some way, this brings more people together and brings many parents to the realization of the blessings they have.

[BK METS]

Perspective

[gpchurchill]

Every thing is as dust in my mouth since I heard about this.

Difficult to put in to words but I don't know how to feel. When hurt, I get angry and fight.

But there is no one to fight or even to hate as the killer is already dead.

None of the wounded children made it according to the news so there is no one to focus on or concentrate our good wishes on or to get behind and cheer for.

All we have left right now is to mourn as we imagine the unimaginable in our own world. I internalize, but it is not about me or you. It is about them. The children.

Most people I have met would do just about anything for a child, even one they do not know. As parents, it is our job to "fix" things, make it better. But these children are beyond our help which is something the "Dad" in me has difficulty in accepting. Based on what I believe, they are in God's loving hands now and that should make me feel better. Maybe later.

There is no other outlet for me but prayer. If there is any karma left in this world, I hope that those families, both of the children and the heroes who died trying to protect them, get at least some small relief from what I imagine is a global outpouring of the best thoughts and prayers we can muster for them.

Victoria Soto
Dianne Hochsprung
Anne Marie Murphy
Lauren Rousseau
Mary Sherlach
Rachel Davino

I ask myself what can I do. How can I help. Can I make a difference.

I teach kids grades K-5, see about 500 different faces a week, 1500 from September to June. I work with 60 teachers in any given year. I can't say I have any easy answers. I can't admit to having any great insight. I can say that I believe every one of those teachers I work with would lay down their lives to save your child.

Perhaps the next time you drop your son or daughter off at an elementary school, or middle school, or high school, acknowledge that when you entrust your child to them, they will do everything in their power to protect them. Let your child's teacher know you appreciate their commitment.


Perhaps try and remember the six names heading this post. Perhaps the next time you hear a friend or colleague speak disrespectfully about a teacher, remind them who they are really talking about.

Perhaps that would help.