Like so many of you across this great country, I pray for all of those effected by yesterday’s horrific events in Boston. I have a friend that worked so very hard to train and raise money ($10,000!) for her run, and was so relieved to hear that she and her friends and family were safe. My heart goes out to all of those that were injured and the ones that lost their life to this senseless tragedy.
The news caught me so off guard that I realized I was staring at the TV in disbelief while John looked on. I’ve shielded him from so much in his tender seven years, and was so incredibly saddened when he peppered me with questions throughout the rest of the night. What is a bomb? Why did someone hurt those people? What are terrorists? I answered his questions as best and gently as I knew how and was reminded of this…
“Look for the helpers. You will always find the people who are helping.” And there were SO many helpers yesterday – the police, the doctors, the first responders and the kind souls helping strangers in need.
Outside of Boston, my heart has literally felt broken for the last week. While I was in Savannah, a childhood acquaintance lost her three year old son to an accidental drowning in her back yard pool. I have not been in touch with her for years, but my heart breaks for her in so many ways. And last Friday a sorority sister and dear friend lost her only brother to an avalanche in Salt Lake City. He leaves behind a wife and young daughter.
As I continue to pray for these families in the dark days ahead, I also give thanks for the beauty and the good and the helpers in the world, for it can all be easy to lose sight of.
xoxo
A beautiful post filled with heartfelt concern and love. Thank you for posting. :)
Such a wonderful quote from Mr. Rogers. I will have to tell that to my kids, because they too walked in while I had the news on. My nine year old always has to know everything so there were many questions. So heartbreaking when you can't shield them from these tragedies. So sorry to hear what your friends are going through too. We really have to be thankful for every day because you never know…
-Shelley
This is just what I was looking for today when my 8-year-old comes home from school today … thank you for the wise words from Mr. Rogers.
Thank you for your words. I follow you daily and now know one of the reasons why. I posted the same "Mr. Rogers" quote just a few minutes before checking your blog. Thanks for what you do!
I called upon this same quote after the Sandy Hook tragedy. Luckily we have been able to shield our kids from the Boston events but I'm sure it won't be for long. And I am so sorry to hear of your friends' losses as well…just heart wrenching.
Amelia
What a beautiful post and a great quote from Mr. Rogers. My son, who at the time of 9/11, was 3 1/2 years old, watched it all day on tv at his daycare! They didn't tell us parents that our kids watched it all so when he and I got home, I prepared to sit down and tell him the very basics to try to help in understand why I had been crying and also to reassure him that he was safe. After I carefully explained it to him, he said "Mom, I already know that some bad men hit a lot of big buildings with big airplanes!" I was really quite upset that he already knew-we try so hard as parents to shield them from the worst of the worst at their young ages! My son too had questions for days about the "bad men"-I wish I had known that wonderful quote then. It would have helped me to help him focus on the good people instead of the bad! I too am sorry to hear of the deep losses that your friends have experienced! Hugs, Meghan
What a caring way to view a tragedy. My children are grown up but this will be a good lesson to share with grandchildren. So sorry to hear about your friends' losses. I'll say a prayer.
I have been following your blog for awhile..your kids (and you and your husband are adorable)–I was just waiting for someone to mention the Boston bombing..instead of recreating a chair or desk. I live in Boston and it has been tragic. Thank you so much. And your friends losses are in my heart and prayers as well. Life just isn't fair at times. Which is why you have to find comfort in your faith..whatever it may be
Whenever I see and hear of heartbreak–I always say to myself–God doesn't promise us a perfect life on earth, but a perfect life in heaven. I am sorry to hear about your friends.
A beautiful and touching post.
Cynthia