I still remember the day I heard about the tragic shooting at Sandy Brook Elementary School. It was a few months after my daughter had started kindergarten, and I was cradling her baby brother, who was peacefully asleep on my chest. As my social media feed filled with the grim headlines, I couldn’t hold back the tears. Here was my innocent baby, blissfully unaware of the harsh realities of the world—vulnerability, evil, and the potential for tragedy that lurks in every corner.
Every mother who learned of that heart-wrenching event felt as if the loss was personal, and I was no exception. Images of my daughter’s classroom, her desk, and her kind teacher flooded my mind, and the weight of it all crushed me. When I picked her up later that day, I noticed many other mothers were visibly shaken, tears rolling down their faces. We grieved for the children who had lost their lives, felt relief that our own kids were safe, and wrestled with the terrifying thought that it could have easily been different.
Since becoming a mother, it’s an understatement to say I feel more exposed to the world’s dangers. I’ve always been somewhat anxious, preoccupied with thoughts of terrible things happening to my loved ones. But after Sandy Brook, those worries expanded beyond everyday accidents or illnesses. If a classroom full of children could be struck down, what else should I fear?
I don’t want to sound overly pessimistic, but it genuinely feels like the world has become a darker place for children since that day. Just recently, I opened my laptop to find reports about young lives cut short in their own homes due to unsecured firearms, followed by a disturbing account of a man who inappropriately touched a 13-year-old on a flight. It’s enough to make anyone feel sick.
Every day, the news bombards us with stories of children facing harm, fear, or worse. These narratives shake me to my core, and I often question whether I should shield myself from them altogether. Yet, there’s a part of me that feels compelled to stay informed. I want to know what we’re up against, to engage with fellow parents, and to discuss strategies to bring about change. I truly believe in the fundamental goodness of humanity, but it increasingly seems as though many have lost their way, letting anger and hatred proliferate—often with children caught in the crossfire.
Despite the weight of these realities, life goes on. We have no choice but to dry our tears, gather ourselves, and be the loving, supportive parents our children need. But it’s incredibly challenging, especially in today’s climate. The news has transformed me into a constant bundle of nerves, filled with heartache and worry. I desperately hope for a shift towards a kinder, safer world for our children.
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In summary, the news can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to children’s safety. As parents, we must navigate our worries while striving to maintain a nurturing environment.