By Gwen M. Plano
Monday I fly to New York City for my youngest son’s wedding. I’ve started packing and now realize how accustomed I’ve become to retired life. My daily wear of t-shirts and jeans betrays me. I hadn't foreseen the challenge of finding a suitable dress.
Along with packing I’m flooded with memories of my son, of piano lessons and football practices, of puppies and gerbils, of skateboards and so much more.
As I think back to these early years, I remember the struggle to balance work with my children’s needs. I never felt I could do enough, though I now marvel at what I achieved. I’d drive my four kids to the mountain lifts in the early morning, so they could ski or snowboard. I’d take them to their practices and games -- baseball, soccer, football and for my daughter, ballet. It was a very busy time in my life, but so, so precious.
I mention the above, because all parents struggle to balance the details of life for their families. They want only the best for their children. Like parents everywhere, nothing makes me happier than seeing my children happy. And, like parents everywhere, nothing saddens me more than my children hurting for one reason or another. This point brings me to today's tragic events.
Just a short while ago, students in Santa Fe, TX were senselessly killed. My heart breaks for these youngsters and especially for their mothers and fathers who are facing the most crushing of life’s blows. In a bullet’s split second, their worlds were turned upside down. Their hopes of seeing their son or daughter walk down the aisle, lost forever.
I imagine these parents are thinking back through the years of their daughter or son's life. They are remembering the ball games, the dancing classes, the ordinary things of life. And, they are wishing they could have done more. Don't we all wish similarly?
What can any of us do to offer support for a parent knowing such profound grief?
I have no answers, but I am surrounding these mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers with tenderness. It may be that loving prayer is all that any of us can offer. We cannot replace what has been taken, no words can soften that horror.
May these young people rest in God's holy peace and may their parents find solace through friends and family. And may we collectively create sacred space - where life is held dear.
Along with packing I’m flooded with memories of my son, of piano lessons and football practices, of puppies and gerbils, of skateboards and so much more.
As I think back to these early years, I remember the struggle to balance work with my children’s needs. I never felt I could do enough, though I now marvel at what I achieved. I’d drive my four kids to the mountain lifts in the early morning, so they could ski or snowboard. I’d take them to their practices and games -- baseball, soccer, football and for my daughter, ballet. It was a very busy time in my life, but so, so precious.
I mention the above, because all parents struggle to balance the details of life for their families. They want only the best for their children. Like parents everywhere, nothing makes me happier than seeing my children happy. And, like parents everywhere, nothing saddens me more than my children hurting for one reason or another. This point brings me to today's tragic events.
Just a short while ago, students in Santa Fe, TX were senselessly killed. My heart breaks for these youngsters and especially for their mothers and fathers who are facing the most crushing of life’s blows. In a bullet’s split second, their worlds were turned upside down. Their hopes of seeing their son or daughter walk down the aisle, lost forever.
I imagine these parents are thinking back through the years of their daughter or son's life. They are remembering the ball games, the dancing classes, the ordinary things of life. And, they are wishing they could have done more. Don't we all wish similarly?
What can any of us do to offer support for a parent knowing such profound grief?
I have no answers, but I am surrounding these mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers with tenderness. It may be that loving prayer is all that any of us can offer. We cannot replace what has been taken, no words can soften that horror.
May these young people rest in God's holy peace and may their parents find solace through friends and family. And may we collectively create sacred space - where life is held dear.
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