Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Our New Normal

Life as we know it has changed after the tragedy in my neighboring town of Newtown, Ct. Trying to explain this to my small children is close to an impossible task when I can barely process this devastation and loss myself.
For me, writing has always been therapeutic and healing during challenging times. So I turn to my blog. Not sure of the audience but throwing it out there to share with anyone who decides to take a peek into my thoughts..

What has given me such a heavy heart is not only the loss of so many innocent children but also the loss of a sense that we are no longer safe. I moved to this town because it is safe. I wanted the best for my kids. But the sad lesson that I have learned is that tragedy does not discriminate. It can happen anywhere to anyone at any time. That scares the hell out of me but that is the reality we live in.

So does this change the way I live my life? Yes, it does. I now go into public places and hold my kids a little closer. I find myself looking over my shoulder in malls, supermarkets and even movie theatres. I think it is important for all of us to be more aware. No, I do not think we should be armed with guns ((but I have tossed around the idea of buying a tazer gun)). It's not time to be paranoid but it IS time to open our eyes a little wider and to be more mindful of our surroundings. It's time to reach out to friends, neighbors and family so we can work together protecting each other and keeping our environment safe. Nurturing that sense of community plays an important role in our kids sense of security. Isn't that what we all want for our kids? Being secure and confident. If we can give our kids that gift, I feel that the rest will fall into place.

I have to admit, my family and community is experiencing a New Normal with lock down practices at school and new security procedures. We now have an on going conversation in my house (and at school) about what we would do in certain situations. If we don't talk about it, how will they know what to do?

It sounds so cliche but we really have to look at the Newtown tragedy and learn from it. I can go on and on about gun control or mental illness...
These are issues that need to be examined but I will save that discussion for another day..

We need to work together in life and give each other a hand along the way.
How are you adjusting to your New Normal?

 
 

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