Mourning

The phrase 'not in my backyard' has been ringing through my head since noon when I learned that there had been another school shooting today. But this isn't another anything - these were little babies, six years old many of them, and things like this are not supposed to happen, not in real life. No. No!

I pray for you, families of Newtown, CT

My eyes nearly swollen shut, my heart heavy, my legs leaden as I walked to my car to get home to my own family. I was finally brave enough at 10 PM tonight to watch some news footage and the first thing I heard was "this kind of thing doesn't happen here."

Where? You mean on earth? Because that is where it shouldn't happen. This is not OK and my thoughts are still very scattered and difficult to summarize except that I know one thing: I will hug my kids too tight tonight and tomorrow and for every day of their lives. I will look them in the eyes and tell them they are loved and that I see them and that they are beautiful.

I love you, Turbo, and all your wickedly delicious four-year-old smarts. You are my first born, the one who made me a mother, and I am fiercely in love with you.

I love you, Smiley, you beautiful creature full of charm and personality and the kind of hugs that I can still feel late in my work day. You meld into me and we are one.

Love Songs to Children

I've come to believe that most love songs are written from a mother to her children. With a few lusty exceptions, most love songs apply. Love is love, and I have never experienced so much love as I have for my babies.

"I want to hold you 'til the fear in me subsides" - works perfectly for a mom heading back to work after enjoying maternity leave.

"You're just too good to be true; can't take my eyes off of you." - when my daughter was first born, it was nearly impossible for me to stop staring at her. Same thing with my son, but I think knowing we were only going to have 2 kids, made me stare longer and more intensely at baby #2.

"It must be is love, love, love." by Madness. Yes, with madness we love our babies.

"Whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name, there is love."

I could go on, and on, and on.


Edit: I woke up this morning realizing all my song choices were very dated. So in keeping with that theme, I will entertain you with another beauty...  with a South Park twist. :)

"Lovin' you is easy cuz you're beautiful. Do-do-do'n-do-dooo... Aaa-aa-aa-aa-aa."