by Kimmie McHugh
I remember when school was a safe place to learn and the only thing to fear was not having an assignment done on time. Now it’s a place where our children are taught lockdown drills, active shooter drills. As parents we have to live with the knowledge that nowhere is safe.
Tragedy recently struck my city at the campus of UNCC. I was bottle feeding my baby & saw my four year old playing innocently on the floor as I watched the local news unfold. It had me in fear of what kind of world my two precious little ones will grow to know and be a part of.
It’s hard not to give into the worry and fear.
And yet…
Something changed for me after hearing of the heroism and courage that also took place. I was reminded of the goodness that always prevails – the helpers that always emerge.
That is how I will talk to my children about the world, about these circumstances. That is what I will instill in my children.
I will teach them to be brave and always rely on God.
I will teach them to overcome any tragedy with compassion and prayer.
I will teach them that while there is no way to predict evil or make sense of it, we can surely believe that love always has the last word.
Kimmie McHugh is an Italian wifey, stay at home mommy of two, and animal lover living in North Carolina with strong New York roots and a lab named Kramer. She often wonders why areas of her house are sticky, constantly battles the laundry game and struggles with wanting a break and then feeling guilty after 30 minutes at Target by herself. She hardly knows what she’s doing but what she knows for sure is prayer, coffee, and love get her through this crazy beautiful ride. Oh, and smiling is her absolute favorite.
