I was hoping to sit down and write something that mattered, something that could make sense of all of this. Contribute something of value. I couldn't. I could and can only recall my own children and those they went to school with and played with. I can remember like it was yesterday, going into their elementary school so many times, watching the disorganized ballet of children arriving first thing in the morning. Watching them run and yell and dance, throwing off boots, coats, mits and scarfs. Seeing and hearing all the noise, all the energy. Standing like a giant amongst them and being priviledged to the show. Seeing those little faces so full of innocence, not knowing what was going to happen from one day to the next. Living each day with an abandon and a freedom we all know eventually disappears. I attended to many parties, pagents, and plays to count. I sat among other parents inhaling the power that is youth, being to proud to speak when one of my children performed on cue at the christmas show. I played Santa Clause for many years for the pre-schoolers and Kindergarden children. I remember getting dressed up, thinking that the pillow i was hiding under my red coat would never fool these children. Maybe it did, maybe it didn't but they seemed not to care, it was about the moment for them. Nothing more, nothing less. I sang christmas songs with them and their parents. Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer was always the favorite. I remember them singing it at the top of their little lungs, no pride, no ego, just singing, cause thats what little children can do. They can go beyond the detail and make the moment count. I saw their eyes come alive when they heard Santa call their name. Through the years of my Parenthood i have been blessed and priviledged with the chance to see my own and many others children grow. Today in a small town named, Newtown there are those who will never see any of this, never experience it. Never be able to breath it all in; Because the ones that would have shown them all this, allowed them to live all of this; are GONE!
Hug your children today no matter how old they are.
I have nothing else to say.
Rob
