Too Close To Home

A few blocks away from my place, police have barricaded the street and news camera equipment is covering the lawn that belongs to a close friend of mine. Some of my students did not come to school today because their parents would not let them, while other students made hasty generalizations about the mass shooting yesterday that made my jaw drop and my fists clench. Facebook is covered in updates about the suspect's purpose, anecdotes about loved ones lost and injured, and posts from acquaintances that are just trying to live their lives. It is a trying time (but aren't they all?). Yet (blessedly) we continue to live our lives, and we must continue to persevere. #GiveMeLibertyOrGiveMeDeath #UnitedWeStand