It obviously started with the unfathomable attack at one of the greatest events, the Boston Marathon. The event that we would go to as kids, it was the April vacation tradition since the race passed right through our town. When I was younger I loved just going and clapping for all those people who wanted to run, as I got older I realized and understood the heart and determination and training that it took to get into this race, never mind run 26.2 miles! Then for some cowards to attack that? Are you kidding? The devastation, the people who were injured and the young lives that were lost, that makes no sense. Having to explain it to an 8 year old makes no sense either.
I kept the explanation short and no details, no mention of the explosion or of the boy that was around her age that was killed. I just wanted her to know that her family in that area was OK, and that when it happened there were lots and lots of people to help. I wasn't sure that part was going to work, but sure enough it did! OK, great keep breathing and lets move on...
Unfortunately that explanation wasn't going to work when I got the news Tuesday that kid at a local high school had committed suicide at the school. That news was bad enough, until it was made worse the following morning when I learned that the victim was a relative of one of Rory's classmates. Ok, how do you explain that one? The question from her was "Where were the helpers for him?, Why would he do that?" I did the best that I could that whatever it was that I said seemed to work because her response was that she was going to pray for her friend and her family and she would make her a card too.
That situation was beyond difficult because the reason that child decided to take his own life was because he was being bullied, and recently Rory has had to deal with being bullied...I know what your thinking, in 2nd grade? Yes, it was mild but it was still something that should have never happened and I had to restrain my Mama Bear instincts as not to let loose on this child who I have let into my home and her adult guardian who hasn't a clue and almost needs a frying pan to the head to get it. Rory has dealt with the bullying situation well, and thank goodness her teacher has been vigilant about it and keeps me in the loop if anything goes on. In the end, on Wednesday evening, we had talked about a terrorist attack and a suicide, dear lord please let that be it.
Ok, so that wasn't it...a horrific explosion happened in the town of West, TX, which is about 70 miles north of where we live. Homes were lost, lives were lost and the majority of those losses were first responders, the helpers. When Rory heard about this, her little mind went into over drive and she remembered when we lived in Kansas and there was the devastating tornado in Joplin, MO. We went to Target and used some of her gift cards that she had been saving to buy some items to donate that were needed for those residents. She said that we should go and buy things that those people needed too, and donate to them. Unfortunately, Rory has been sick with a miserable fever since Thursday, so we haven't been able to do that yet, but she keep reminding me too, so I think we'll be getting that done this week.
All in all, it has been and emotionally draining week for everyone. In the end, our family is safe, especially after the manhunt in Watertown, MA where Mom works everyday. The sense of euphoria and gratitude to have the situation over with was amazing, even from almost 2000 miles away. For us in our house, the takeaway message is, with the right attitude we will overcome.
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