Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus...

I have to say, I cried quite a few times over the weekend & the tears continued today.  Columbine set the precedent for having lock-down drills in schools, and although I was not yet a mother at the time, it's always been unsettling for me that my child has grown up in a world that needed lock-down drills as part of the school curriculum.  I'll never forget when Bryn was in first grade & she came home from school after one of these drills & asked me, "What do we do at home if we have a lock-down?"  I fought back the tears & told her we had an alarm system to keep us safe.  What else do you say?  I didn't grow up in a time when people went on shooting rampages in schools... or malls... or movie theaters.  

The horrific events at Sandy Hook Elementary hit closer to home because I am now a mother.  And I can't imagine what these poor parents are going through.  What do you say now?  What do you say as you're dropping your child off at school besides, "have a great day & I love you."  I don't know.  I think we just have to keep living our lives without being afraid and trust that all will be ok. 

It is scary though, when all you really want to do is keep your child at home with you forever.   

Anyway... I'm pretty caught up on my December Daily album.  I included the letter Bryn received from Santa, which by the way, made her laugh out loud before she even opened it.  And while she still hasn't come right out & asked me if I'm Santa, it appears that she no longer believes in "him."  So... on the other side of the letter from Santa, I included a letter I found on Pinterest about Santa.  I know she'll read it, as she flips through my book occasionally while I'm making it...

Here's the letter if you want to use it...

And speaking of believing in Santa... I believe that there really is more goodness in the world than bad.  I see it every day.  In fact, every Monday in my Zumba class I see really good, thoughtful people that give me more than I could ever give them.  Their smiles, their encouragement, their willingness to show up... it makes my day.  And this has been a very special year for me in my first year of teaching because of them.  And I think I've thanked my friend that encouraged me to get certified about 100 times since then.  She's the one who knew I could do it and it's changed me... for the better. 

Just one of the many blessings in my life for which I am grateful.

Hugs and love, my friends...

Comments

[Jing-Jing Nickel]

You seriously made me tear up with that last paragraph!

[Julie Tucker-Wolek]

Tearing up AGAIN now ... I have cried and cried and cried this weekend ... *sigh* it just breaks my heart ... I loveeeeeee your pages!! LOVING that Santa letter!!

[karen]

Great Santa letter! Love it! very clever...will use probably next year when my daughter is doubting Santa's abilities...it's truly a feeling of joy in our heart - I do believe...

[Antonia Krajicek]

I love how your December Daily is turning out! And, that letter about Santa is so perfect. I'm saving it, even though I don't have kids yet...ha :)