Anybody have any good news today? We need some uplifiting stories! I have one:

My two year old nephew is amazing. I love him so much. At his two year checkup, doctors heard a heart murmur. Thanks to immediate action from the doctors and his parents and him being such a great patient they were able to diagnose him with anemia, which can cause a heart murmur. Vitamins high in iron and a new, healthier diet (sorry buddy, no more picky eating...) are bringing his iron levels up and he should be back to his usual giggly, charming, adorable self in no time.

Right now I am in a state of shock from VT. I have so much concern, anger, worry and grief for those families it's hard to know which feeling to have over (or is stronger if you will) others ... a sort of numb feeling really. The one thing I know - I am absolutely glad I am on the safety commitee at school, continue to bounce new ideas off of the staff, volunteer in the classrooms & PTO, make sure I have a smile filled greating for each child anytime of the day and give hugs to those children having a bad day.
Thank you to each of you for everything you do.

Hubby says I have a knack for picking up on kids who need a little extra attention. He tells me all the time, "You can't mother the whole world." But really, seeing the smile it puts on a child's face by simply saying, " Hi Susie, you look pretty in pink today." or "Hey Joey, it's nice to see you in the library this morning. How are you today?" Just knowing that someone sees them and cares enough to say hello can lift their spirits for a day.

Another thing I like to do is say some kind words to a parent who I know is raising a troubled or special needs child. Something like, "Bobby is so polite. He always says please and thank you to me when I help in class." I said something similar to some grandparents about a boy who often finds himself in trouble. I was sure to say it in front of their grandson. They quickly masked the confused looks on their faces and then each wrapped an arm around him while they thanked me for saying kind words. The smile on the boy's face as he stood between his grandparents was priceless!

You just have to wonder what could happen in someone's life that would push them to feel like they needed to kill, especially in such a random and excessive manner. Following d's sentiments, we should remember those discussions we've had on this very post about reaching out to children who seem to need that hug and kind word. A good reason to follow your instincts and do what you feel is right at that moment. Who knows, might have made a difference for this young man and maybe this whole tragedy wouldn't have occurred.

Is there something about April that makes people crazy? I'm being serious...My middle child just turned 8 and I remember very clearly being on maternity leave with him when Columbine happened. My oldest is 11 and on the day I found out I was pregnant with him, and it was a very big shock and extremely bad timing, I went home from the doctor a total emotional wreck and turned on the tv to see the OKC bombing had just taken place. Talk about finding perspective that day! Seriously, I think April should be made national mental health screening month or something to that effect because lots of people seem to go a little crazy in April. And my prayers are with all of those, insane or just insane with grief.

My heart breaks for everyone touched by this tragedy. What a horrific event.