Open Eyes and Heavy Hearts

This isn't a typical Monday morning for parents across the country. This morning parents will hug their children a little tighter and watch them walk into the school buildings with a lump in their throat in some cases. After the eye opening terror last Friday in Connecticut we've all had our eyes opened to the unthinkable fear that someone would harm young, innocent children for no obvious reason other than their own inner battles.

I've read status messages on Facebook all morning from friends who were debating sending their kids to school today. They wondered what more or less their kids should know. They looked at empty car seats after drop-offs thinking of parents with empty bedrooms. I look at our Christmas Tree and wonder how these parents will get through the holidays. I would crack. I know I wouldn't make it having to look at the presents and stocking and bedroom. I'd leave the decorations up as long as possible living in that eternal moment of 'the last time they were here'.

My heart breaks today for parents everywhere because we're all together in this fear today. You never know when your time will come. You never know when that last goodbye will take place or the last trip to the ice cream parlor will occur. You do all you can to keep them safe and happy and protected and prepare them for the world. You have to cherish each moment and keep it in your heart forever and trust that there is a better place waiting that welcomed all of the little angels and their guardians on that sad day.

Technology. . .the root of all evil

Is growing technology a positive for society? Is the fact that we can't leave home without a cell phone without feeling 'naked' just common practice anymore?

I admit. A day without my cell phone bugs me. I feel like I'm missing a text that may be horribly important when in reality it's probably just my monthly freebie code from Redbox or the weather. Facebook? I can see that on my Kindle so no worries if I forget the phone. I do worry if I have car trouble and have no way to contact anyone but the last few times I HAVE had issues I've had either concerned citizens or state troopers there within minutes.

I sometimes hate being so easily found online. I try to keep my FB page simple with no details / excessive photos but who am I kidding. I have everything and anything up there. I only accept friend requests from people I know. I delete if I don't hear from/talk to the people every few months (which has led to hate mail) and I don't post vacation info until we return home.

And stalking. Some people live to stalk ex's and family online. I did at first but then got over it. They have their lives and I mine. What happens happens and it's all good.

Sometimes I long for the days when the telephone would ring and a friend would suggest we meet at the mall. The early days of computers when bulletin boards were 'the thing' to do at night in your room and parents would yell about that beeping and noises coming from your room.

What do you think? Are we too available? Are we too 'out there'? Or is this technology bringing us closer than ever before and is it a great and wonderful thing.

Personally I think it's wonderful but over-used and too much dependence is placed upon it.