Sadness

[Lindy]

I feel SO bad for what's happened in my adopted state of Connecticut. Let's all send a prayer that this sort of thing STOPS! My heart aches for those families and the whole town that's been traumatized.

[Teresa_Rae]

It is hard to believe that such sadistic, cruel, senseless evil exists in this world.

[michigancouple]

My heart aches for them. Please pray for comfort to come to these families.

[jimg20]

I just read CNNs early accounts. One cannot be helped but to be moved by the photos of the children escaping from their school. They were led away by our brave police officers and teachers. They were asked to close their eyes as they were led through the hall. Nothing will ever be the same for the 600 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 year-olds who were there today.

JIM

[Terry]

I think about the parents that lost their innocent child and the empty bed that they have to go home to tonight and the gifts that are probably wrapped and around their tree. I cannot even begin to understand their sadness.

[mindehankins]

Yes, such sadness. Avoiding media for the next couple of days, because it's just unbearable. There are no words......

[Terry]

I'll say my last say and then disappear. I personally think that avoiding this issue is why we are still dealing with it.

It won't stop until we make it stop. We will read about another situation in 2-3 more weeks.

Killing kinders at an elementary school reaches rock bottom for our society. And since their teacher was already slain...imagine what the substitute teacher went through. If you have kids in school, check out your districts policies with your security manager of your district.

[PA Girl]

Yes, such sadness. Avoiding media for the next couple of days, because it's just unbearable. There are no words......

Last night, my husband and I took turns breaking down out of sight of our 7yo son. We had already planned to be at our cottage for the weekend and I am glad because we don't have TV here. It is too much for me to see on the news reports.

My son is in first grade and they have "intruder" drills. I don't know what was said, if anything, at his school yesterday but he mentioned in the car about a drill.

[linne]

It's so terrible, unbearable and cruel what has happened.

Everyone has to ask, why? And how can we avoid something similar in the future?

Linne

[Terry]

I know I said I wouldn't post anymore on this issue...but I couldn't refuse the email we received from our Police Chief...He is amazing!!!! And I hope his words bring some peace to you and know that your local police and school officials are looking out for your district.

Dear Don And The Incredible Staff In All Of Our St. Vrain Valley Schools:

Some of you know that my Julie and I have five daughters and all
attended school in the SVVSD from kindergarten to graduating as
Seniors. Our daughters attended SVVSD schools for a total of 65 years.
We met many, many teachers and fell in love with all of them. In
partnership together, our daughters received an outstanding education
in the SVVSD. We now have two accountants, a lawyer, an archaeologist
and a school teacher in our family's midst. I just want to thank you
all from the bottom of my heart for your dedication to our family, to
our children and to our community.

But that is not the primary reason I am writing this letter. As we all
know, an incomprehensible tragedy occurred in Connecticut last Friday.
I have been in the Public Safety business for thirty plus years and
have way too much first hand experience with the violence and hate
that people can perpetrate on other people. My innocence was swept
away years ago. But Friday's tragedy in Connecticut brought me to my
knees. All I could think of were the parents of those beautiful, sweet
children and their gut-level agony; the first responders, who dedicate
their lives to saving lives but yet could not save a single life that
day; and, almost too difficult for me to think about, the last moments
on earth of those small and helpless children.

As the facts unfolded over the weekend, we all learned of the
incredible acts of heroism that were performed by educators in Sandy
Hook Elementary School. There were clearly selfless acts by teachers
and staff that gave new meaning to the adage that the greatest act of
love is to lay down one's life for another person. Here is why I am
writing this. I know many teachers in our school district. Some of you
are dear friends of ours. Because this tragedy happened in what is
supposed to be a safe environment and in an elementary school no less,
all of you must feel a little more vulnerable than you did prior to
Friday. I would imagine that many of our teachers will need to have
consoling conversations with their students and assuring conversations
with parents.

How many times did we hear, "how could this happen in our community
and at this school?" But what dawned on me is that I know from the
bottom of my heart is that our educators would have acted similarly to
those in Sandy Hook. The teachers in our school district care for our
children with such love, that there would not be a second thought
given to what each of you would do to protect our children. Your care
and love for our children does not get talked about often. But, given
that you are with our children as much as parents are, our teacher's
love for them is the most important attribute our teachers have.

It is probably not in your job description to do what what those
teachers and school administrators in Sandy Hook did, but it should
not go unacknowledged that we are blessed with a phenomenal school
district with remarkable teachers and staff. You all became teachers
for the right reasons and I want to express my gratefulness to each
and every one of you for the love and care you provide our most
precious people - our children.

We are all forever in your debt!
Public Safety Chief

[jimg20]

Thanks Terry

JIM