Written by: Jeremy Baumhower
Yesterday afternoon, a father, Fred Guttenberg, posted the following on Facebook.
Hours later, his worst fears realized.
Jamie Guttenberg never made it home from school yesterday. Something we as parents take for granted.
In honor of these 17 lives that were abruptly silenced yesterday, try to find a way to love even harder. We need to reach children who do not receive the adequate amounts of love and attention.
I know this is a daunting task, but we must try.
We all know the children who are starving for touch, compassion and adoration. Let’s see past their bad and attention-seeking behavior, and teach show them what life is really about. Love.
Teachers are our greatest soldiers in the battle of spreading love and compassion. They are our front lines in the war against hate, intolerance and bad parenting.
Today should be ‘Hug-A-Teacher Day.’ I know it probably inappropriate, but needed nonetheless. Teachers have to return to the classroom (again) after a school massacre. I can’t imagine what goes through their minds when they enter the classroom.
To everyone who has ever taught one of my children … who has made them feel important, who has challenged them to try harder, who has given them the confidence to be themselves and to follow their dreams, who has protected them as one of their own …
Thank you.
Thank you on behalf of the parents who never say it — who’s child needs the most attention, takes the most time and seeks the most love.
Reminder to parents: Before your babies leave for school, make sure the last words they hear are “I love you.” Let them know how loved and important they are.
