Look for the Helpers

It is Sunday night and I've sat down to write, only to realize that I cannot think about anything else but those suffering in Sandy Hook right now.  It's no surprise to me, as you're listening to a girl who intentionally does not look at the news most week; because doing so means struggling with my own day-to-day life if I am made aware of tragedies involving children. Children.  And as someone who is painfully aware of the difficulties that arise in a family after a child passes away--some immediate and some quite delayed--I cannot help but think of the challenging years ahead for the families affected. Things will never be the same for so many and we can only pray there is enough love in that small town to support them all.

I love Mr. Rogers' advice about dealing with and discussing tragic events with our children (thank you Bethany + Brené):

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster', I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world."

I can't tell you how softening it was to read these words.  May we always look for the helpers and also do our part to make the world a better place by infusing positive energy as often as we can, wherever we may be.

If you're interested in becoming a helper, like the ones Mr. Roger's mother wisely pointed out to her son, please glance at this article outlining all the different ways you can donate financially to those affected.  For those of us far away from Newtown, this feels like the best way to help in this very moment.

image snapped at Gray's "Bateau Birthday Party"