École Polytechnique Massacre

Snowflakes for Sandy Hook (Credit: Nica Wolf)

When tragedy occurs, we’re often forced into a period of deep introspection and mourning. At this stage of grieving, our understanding hasn’t caught up to the magnitude of shock; it’s as if we’re in a state of limbo, trying to find our way back.

But, time doesn’t stand still. The clock keeps ticking and we somehow have to move on. How do you move forward after witnessing the horrific murder, rape, beating, or other heinous crime against a dear one?

3rd Floor Classroom at Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I think about the children and educators who have to return to school after witnessing a bloody massacre. Schools that were once full of innocence and potential are now crime scenes of yellow tape and body outlines.

I think of:

École Polytechnique Massacre (Montreal, Quebec)
Columbine High School massacre (Littleton, Colorado)
Virginia Tech massacre (Blacksburg, Virginia)
Dawson College shooting (Montreal, Quebec)
Realengo massacre (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Toulouse school shooting (Toulouse, France)
Sandy Hook School shooting (Newtown, Connecticut)

…and my heart cries for the stolen lives and lost innocence. I mourn for the lives whose potential was suddenly cut short; individuals who may have birthed the next great discoveries.

Virginia Tech releases 32 balloons before the Hokies’ 2007 opener vs East Carolina to commemorate those who died during in the Virginia Tech massacre. (Credit: Wikipedia)

What do you teach children or students who have witnessed the horrific murder of friends and teachers? Is it class as usual? Does the curriculum change? Do you teach math and English or grief/crisis management? How do you respond to behavioral changes? Do you discipline or turn a blind eye? What about the educators? Should teachers be trained in counterterrorism? On mental health issues? What is the new normal?

As we go about our daily lives, let’s remember those who are stuck and lost and in tremendous pain. Let’s not quickly forget the loss of dear ones. Let’s honor them. Let’s live for them. Let’s fight on their behalf to make this world more safe, compassionate, just, and fair.

Let love win!