Newtown, CT

My heat aches for those in Newtown, Connecticut.  I ache for the parents, the students, the teachers and staff, and the community.  I cannot imagine what they are going through.

This hits very close too home for me, as it does most teachers.  Not only do I teach in an elementary school, I teach first grade. Those babies that were taken were first graders. I think of my students and the love for them. I just can't imagine being in that situation.  I can't imagine being in the shoes of Vicki Soto, the first grade teacher who died trying to protect her class.

As I got ready for school this morning, I prayed for those in Newtown.  I also prayed for all teachers returning to work today to students with new questions and fears. I prayed for strength, wisdom, and safety. Walking into the school was hard. As teachers, we hugged each other and discussed our feelings. And then those sweet babies came down the hall. I put on a brave face.  I hugged each of them tightly and told them how happy I was to see them. And the day went on. A grandmother came to eat lunch with her grandson. She is a retired teacher. She wanted to make sure and tell me she was thinking about me and that she knew it was hard. A few students asked questions, but I was very thankful that students felt that they were safe at school.

To those in Newtown, CT. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap His arm around the community, the parents, students, and teachers.