Angels and Heroes

Angels and Heroes

I cannot imagine a school shooting being more sensational than the last but this time it was. The images of the Sandy Hook Elementary School will be long lasting in my mind and the minds of my children at home and at the school where I work. It’s puzzling that now we are on a renewed heightened awareness just as we were after 9/11.

There are some differences with this school shooting mainly because of the ages of the children, our new angels. I hope you didn’t wait for this tragedy to hug your children. Even though it was the first thing I did when I returned home, I always make it a habit and so should you. Tell the people around you that you love them.

I remember after 9/11 that everyone was friendlier. Too bad it took a tragedy and too bad it didn’t last. Maybe this time the kindness will last. At the time of 9/11, I heard a man on the radio say he made a commitment to buy a stranger a cup of coffee at least once a week. He said the reactions were unbelievable in ways he could not imagine. Some people could not believe the kindness. I tried it. He was right. Some people are surprised when others are kind to them for no reason.

I always tell my kids at home and my kids at school that their heroes are all around them in their parents, grandparents, teachers, military, and first responders. This latest tragedy has proven me right. Parents always want to know that their children are safe.

I received a call from a local television station asking me for comments about the Sandy Hook tragedy. I agreed for two reasons: one, the television station visits us when we have success. They weren’t contacting us just because there was a tragedy. Every news media outlet should try the positives once in a while. Another reason was because I want the parents to know that we treat their children with unconditional love just as we do with our children at home.

The latest incident has proven that our children’s educators put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students with unconditional love and unconditional leadership. I am not surprised because that is the commitment educators make when they decide to enter the noblest profession on earth. They are true heroes just as the first responders are in this case.

Be nice, angels are watching. Accept your role as a leader and empower those people around you to be leaders. Peace.