Extra Loving Please

On this day give your children extra loving. Give in to their indulgences for just one day. Give them an extra cookie. Give them extra time to watch TV or to play. Let them stay up late. Give them an extra hug tonight. Read an extra book. Let them sleep in your bed with you. Fix their favorite meal for dinner. Say yes to their "one more please". Let them be as innocent and wonderful as they truly are, for just one day. It won't spoil them, it won't.

The horrendous and unimaginable tragedy that has occurred today at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown,CT strikes a deep chord within me. My heart is shattered and weeping for all the lives lost and for all who has suffered today. These children were innocent, beautiful and special in their own way. This is a tragedy we should all suffer. The adults who lost their lives were unique and special in that they took care of these children everyday. 

I kept my boys home today from school. I got up late and decided to not fuss and fight at them while trying to rush them all because I got up late. So, I let them stay home. Boy, you would think that it was Christmas morning. Reading the news today, I'm glad I kept them home. We had pancakes for lunch, their favorite and we sat and watched a movie together. They are now getting ready to go outside for "recess" as Kid 2 calls it. 

When you have a strong urge to keep your kids home with you, do it. You never know when it will be your last moment with them. Nothing else in life matters. Work will always be there. Bills will always be there. The stores will always be there. All these materialistic things will always be there. But life... life won't always be there. Treasure your children dearly. Keep them innocent. Keep them young. 

My sincerest, deepest and most humble thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has suffered today and will continue to suffer. May they find peace and solace in the days to come.