I was in the lab dissecting pigs with my anatomy kids when we heard of the news in CT. As shocked as I was, as we all were, it allowed a perfect opportunity to reiterate the importance of lock down drills. At my school, the kids think that a lock down drill is a joke. Instead of huddling in a corner out of sight and remaining quiet, they walk around, talk, ask to go to the bathroom. This tragedy provided an opening.
For some reason, when the kids get upset, it helps me become calmer. I quieted them down and agreed that it was a horrible thing that happened. Then I began discussing how they never know when the lock down drills will become necessary. One day, one of these drills might be the real thing. Finally, we got back to our dissection, but the mood was very somber. I think maybe the kids were imagining those children's faces in their specimens. What a day to dissect stuff. I think next week, for the two days we are there, I will make ice cream with them. After their test, of course.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the students, teachers, administrators and parents who were involved in the shooting. Special prayers for the shooter's father. How do you handle knowing your child was responsible for something like that? My son is 21 and it really makes me think about how much I don't know him. Would he ever do anything like that? I assure myself that he wouldn't, but then think about how the shooter's mom was a teacher and how she was divorced. Can't help but compare, you know?
I promise my next blog will be a happier subject. I'll show you how to make all natural ice cream with a baggie, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt and ice. Yummy!
