I will never forget the moment I learned about the tragic shooting at Sandy Creek Elementary School. My son had just started his first year of elementary school, and I was cradling his baby brother, who was peacefully asleep on my chest. As the horrifying details flooded my social media feed, tears streamed down my face. My little one, so innocent and pure, was blissfully unaware of the darkness that exists in the world.
Every mother who heard about that shooting grieved as if it were her own child who had suffered that fate, and I was no exception. With each word I read, I envisioned my son’s classroom—his desk, his teacher, and his sweet little face. It shattered me, and when I picked him up later that day, I noticed that nearly every mother around me was in tears too. We cried for the lives lost, for our own children who were safe, and for the stark reality that it could have easily been them.
Since becoming a mom, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. I’ve always been a bit anxious, preoccupied with the potential for tragedies to befall those I love. But after Sandy Creek, my worries expanded beyond the typical fears of accidents or illnesses. I found myself grappling with the terrifying thought: if children could be harmed in their classrooms, what else could happen?
I don’t mean to sound overly pessimistic, but the world feels much darker since that day—especially for our children. Just last week, I opened my laptop to see headlines about children who were shot in their own homes because their families hadn’t properly secured their firearms. Not long after, I read about a man who groped a 13-year-old girl on an American Airlines flight. It makes me feel sick.
Every day, the news presents stories filled with children who are hurt, scared, or worse. These accounts shake me to my core, and maybe I should step away from reading them, but I can’t. I feel compelled to stay informed, to understand the dangers that exist, and to collaborate with other parents and community leaders on how we can foster a safer environment for our kids. I believe in the goodness of humanity, yet it seems so many have become anger-driven and filled with hate—often at the expense of our children.
Despite all this, we move forward. We have to wipe our tears and gather ourselves to be supportive, loving parents, even when the world feels overwhelming. It’s a struggle, especially given the current state of affairs. The news has truly turned me into a bundle of nerves. My heart aches, and I genuinely hope for a time when things calm down. The futures of our children depend on creating a kinder, safer world.
If you want to explore more about the parenting journey, you can check out this resource or learn about couples’ fertility journeys for more insight. For those looking to navigate the complexities of pregnancy, this blog offers excellent information.
In summary, the news has a profound effect on my emotional state as a parent. It keeps me on edge, constantly worrying about the safety and future of my children, and yet I am determined to remain a loving and supportive mom.