In the quiet of the morning, as I prepared for work, my 10-year-old daughter, Lily, slipped into the bathroom, visibly distressed. I paused my routine, sensing that something was troubling her. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke, revealing that she had a nightmare about a dangerous person entering her school. My heart sank.
I remembered a recent notification from her school regarding an active shooter drill. When I asked her if that was the source of her anxiety, she nodded, avoiding eye contact and whispering, “Mom, I’m scared to go to school.” Her admission shattered me; she was grappling with a harsh reality I had tried to shield her from for as long as possible.
As parents, we gradually introduce our children to the complexities of life—loss, injustice, and the darker aspects of existence—through stories and history. We carefully chose books like Charlotte’s Web and The Giver, hoping to prepare them in a gentle way. But now, my daughter’s fear of potential violence in her elementary school felt like a painful breach of her innocence.
Lily was in kindergarten when the tragedy at Sandy Hook unfolded. While I can’t fathom the immense grief experienced by those affected, I felt the ripples of that day reach across the country, impacting us in our small town. Dropping her off at school after that event, I was overwhelmed with sorrow for the families who suffered and for the knowledge that my child could learn about such evil.
This week, the local police chief visited the elementary schools to discuss safety. Although I trust that the conversation was handled sensitively, my sweet, anxious girl was still feeling the weight of those discussions.
I gathered her in my arms, took a breath, and began: “Lily, I love you dearly. Becoming your parent was the best day of my life. However, no one prepares you for the fears that will emerge as you raise your children. If I could wrap you in bubble wrap, I would. I understand your fears; I share them. All I want is for you and your siblings to live joyful lives, free from suffering.
The world contains many good people who want the best for their families, but there are also those who do harm. Our responsibility is to stay vigilant against such threats.
Fear is a formidable force; it can control lives and thoughts. We are fortunate to live in a society that allows us to express ourselves, but freedom can also lead to chaos. It’s vital to decide whether to let fear dictate your life or to acknowledge its presence and continue living.
In my professional life, I prepare for every conceivable worst-case scenario, especially as I work in healthcare. Before each procedure, I pack a contingency bag with tools for emergencies. Yet, I approach each case with hope for a positive outcome. The drills at school serve a similar purpose—they’re there to prepare us for the unthinkable, though I wish they weren’t necessary.
I told Lily that I hope she never has to confront such situations, but if the time comes, being prepared is important. I lamented the world we live in and wished it could be different. I held her until she calmed down and encouraged her to get ready for school. I reassured her that our community is a good one, aware that such reassurances don’t provide absolute safety.
I asked her for any evidence that her school posed a threat, but she had none. I felt a pang of guilt for trying to comfort her in a world that feels so unpredictable. After showering her with kisses, I watched her leave the room, closing the door behind her as tears streamed down my face.
Once alone, I took a moment to recover, packed my emotional toolkit, and prayed to every deity I could think of, hoping I would never need to use it.
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In summary, the necessity of active shooter drills in schools, while unsettling, is a reflection of the world we live in today. It is essential to address these fears with our children, fostering a dialogue that balances awareness with reassurance, and equipping them with the tools they need to navigate life’s uncertainties.
Keyphrase: Active Shooter Drills
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