After the events of September 11th, I remember thinking that flags would never again fly at full-staff. It seemed that our nation was forever changed, and the weight of that tragedy cast a long shadow over everything. Yet, as time passed, life resumed its rhythm. Flags were raised high again, new lives were welcomed, and celebrations returned. But with each new tragedy—like the Virginia Tech shooting, and the horrific events in Aurora and Tucson—one would think we’d remain in a state of mourning. Yet, life continued at an astonishing pace, almost as if we were rushing to forget.
The Impact of Newtown
The tragedy in Newtown struck me deeply as a parent. For weeks, I found myself in tears, absorbed in news reports about the victims, feeling as though I had to bear their pain for not being directly affected by the shooter. This past week, I found myself reconsidering all the places I would take my children. Another horrific incident that I still struggle to grasp. More unsettling images, more heartbreaking stories, and yet another wave of empathy for the parents who lost their children. It’s a moment where I selfishly acknowledge my gratitude that my family was spared, while also grappling with the desire to shield my loved ones from the world.
The Return to Normalcy
But just two short days later, everything returned to “normal.” The flags were raised to full-staff, and I found myself snapping at my kids, rushing through bedtime. I ordered pizza instead of cooking, feeling drained. A third grader had lost their life cheering for marathon runners, yet here I was, impatient with my own child over something trivial. How could I be so callous?
Reflections on Grief
I miss the deep sense of grief I felt years ago—the feeling that nothing would ever be the same, that our world had irrevocably changed. The realization that I can’t cling to that perspective for more than a few days now is even more unsettling.
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Conclusion
In summary, the weight of national tragedies can profoundly affect us, especially as parents. While we may try to shield our loved ones from the world’s harsh realities, life often nudges us back into a semblance of normalcy far too quickly. It’s a sobering reminder of how fragile our understanding of safety can be in an unpredictable world.