The school massacre in Newtown Connecticut has been in the news again recently.
The stories are still branded in the memory.
Horrific tales of terror, panic and death.
And the agony that followed.
But out of those stories have risen tales of heroism and bravery unequalled anywhere in history.
The principal and school psychologist who lost their lives as they rushed toward danger when the first shots were heard.
The teachers who hid children in closets and cupboards and bathrooms and then kept them absolutely quiet and safe as terror stalked past.
And those who used their last shield, themselves, in a desperate and often futile bid to save the lives of the little children in their care.
They are true heroes.
In every sense of the word.
And I weep for them and their sacrifice.
It has gotten me thinking of the heroes in my life.
The men and women who have appeared, sometimes fleetingly, and had a profound and lasting influence.
My Mom, who taught me responsibility, caring for others and to always, always be kind.
My Dad, who taught me the value of integrity, hard work and a sense of humour.
My eldest brother who taught me generosity.
My next older brother, who taught me the joy of friendship.
My oldest sister, who showed me true patience.
My youngest sister, who is a constant example of focused energy and unfettered joy.
My youngest brother, who showed me that one must never quit. That by keeping on, great things are accomplished.
There were others.
Teachers who spent their entire lives . . . teaching.
Store owners who cared.
Neighbours who watched out for.
People who appeared only briefly and taught me wonderful, important things.
And, more recently, the men and women manning the front lines in our own war with Covid.
None of them have had to make the ultimate sacrifice on my behalf.
None of them will ever appear in a newspaper or on TV as a description of their heroism is proclaimed aloud.
But still, they are heroes.
And they need recognition.
So to those whose actions are so justifiably blazoned across news headlines and TV spots.
And those whose quiet contribution is not as noticeable or dramatic.
I am offering a prayer of gratitude today.
Thank you.
All of you.
Mary Sherlach, the school psychologist at Sandy Hook, grew up in the county where I live. May she and the other heroes of Newtown forever rest in peace, along with all other unsung heroes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this.
ReplyDeleteNice to think about those who are there to give us care when we need it.
ReplyDeleteIf the news would concentrate on showing the quiet, everyday heroes this world could be transformed.
ReplyDeleteOur church pastor in charge of prayer and visitation was a pastor up in Newtown when it happened. As soon as the reports began to come in, a request was made for pastors to go the fire station where parents who rushed out there were being directed. Pastor J was the first to arrive, and 3 days later, he was the last to leave.
He moved here the week our area flooded in 2016. He spent his first months comforting people who had lost everything and pitching in to rebuild houses and our partner church. He didn't run away screaming, either.
Pastor J is a hero to us.
So beautifully-put, as usual. Newtown is the next town over and I remember hearing the sirens that morning. Still get chills when I think of it, probably the worst thing I ever heard of.
ReplyDeleteMy family is filled with firefighters and police officers and yes, they are heroes. But my family is also filled with nurses. ICU, cancer research, emergency, and most heroic of all...hospice.
ReplyDeleteEven though we hear about those who are bad, there are many great people in the world who really care about others and who go the extra mile to help. You are right that we have to remember them.
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