For the Love of Children....

Doctors hold their patients' lives in their hands often.

Police officers, firefighters have chances to see tragedy, as well as to triumph in safety.

As a mother, I would protect my children with my life.

When I chose to become a teacher, the thought that I would be in charge of the lives' of other people's children never came to mind.  I know plenty of teachers who walk in the path of righteousness in their teaching careers believing that they can and will "make a difference".  But who are they wanting that for...to truly change the world, or to feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with whatever they measure the 'difference' they made by.

As teachers, we are not super heroes.  Often times, we are berated, ignored, and blamed.  We are accused, judged, 'given too much credit', scoffed at (because look at our vacation time after all); yet rarely are we reminded that each day we hold children's lives in our room.  The lives of many families are in our wellbeing.  As I read comments on Facebook about the atrocities of violence that involve children in our schools, in our country, I am amazed at the number of teachers I see commenting.  There are so many people who are reminding us all that they 'hugged their child a little longer today', and how picking their child up from school just wasn't as routine as it usually was.  Which is only a fraction of the intense emotions running through all parents' minds.  But what blows me away are the comments from the teachers.  Some relatives, some colleagues, many friends:  and what they are saying is about their intense devotion not only to their profession, but to each and every child.  For these people remember, that each day parents send their children, their world -- our future -- to school to learn, and be safe.  If children can't feel safe in our schools, how will they learn.  For some children -- yes, even in the United States -- schools are the safest place they have.

I just want to say how proud I am that of all teachers.  While we don't set out each day to save the world, or save the children, or make the world a better place, please take a moment to hug the children in your world a little tighter, and a little longer.  And then remember, that your child's teacher most likely would take your child into their hands, and into their hearts, just as your child may do for them.

This post is dedicated to the staff, students and families of the latest tragedy in our world.  It didn't have to happen.