holding tight

image copyright Frances Hook

I would be lying if I said my mind hasn't been doing somersaults today.    The alarm went off and I wasn't excited to get the kids off to school.   I held their hands as they waited for the bus- a little tighter than I usually do.  And we said a prayer together for a safe and happy day as the cars whizzed past us.  I gave them each an extra kiss and told them probably 5 times in the 15 foot walk from the sidewalk to the bus that I loved them.  Then I turned and walked back to the house. In tears.  I know that there is only so much we can do to protect and prepare our children for whatever they encounter in the world and I know we can't live our lives in fear, but we can't take this lightly either.  We must walk in faith, preparing ourselves and our children for the evils of this world.  

This picture brings comfort.  Christ loves our little children so much.  And there is no doubt that those 20 little children (and 6 adults-- he loves them too!) who joined him are happier and safer now in his presence.  That thought brings comfort. But as I held Jack and Lucy's little faces this morning, in a similar fashion to the way the Savior is above, I couldn't help but think about the parents and families who didn't get to do so this morning.  They will be reunited someday and that thought brings comfort as well, but rest assured that I will forever now, be holding tighter to those I love.