I get an email from my kids’ schools every couple of months that they had a lockdown drill. It usually says something like “the school was locked down at 9:35 this morning... the police assisted... everyone did what they were supposed to do... classes resumed at 9:50.” Today was different. There was a lockdown.... but a real one this time. Because police were at the middle school looking for a GUNMAN! Thank God no gunman or weapon was found. But what I found... was fear.
As a journalist, unfortunately, I have covered school shootings far too often. In fact, I was in Newtown, CT the day 26 people- including 20 children- were gunned down at Sandy Hook Elementary school. I was there doing live hits for Fox TV stations across the country. It was so emotional. All I kept thinking of was my son- who was in his kindergarten classroom that day- feeling safe- as he should.
I have also covered dozens of school threats. Fortunately, the threats are usually just that. Threats. So, when I first found out about the lockdown - I didn’t think too much of it. I just assumed it was a prank and it would be over soon. But after a while it hit me... the fear. The thought that maybe it could be real.
I was updated today through emails sent by the school district- and through texts with friends whose kids had their cell phones on them. My son (a rule follower) did not have his phone on him... it was in his locker. Sorry, but he’ll be breaking that rule from now on. I want to be able to communicate with him!
When he got home (about 45 minutes later than usual) he got upset. I hugged him tight. He told me about huddling with his classmates on the floor, in the corner of his dark classroom, and about his teacher trying to console a classmate who was crying, and about his friend who was texting with his dad (a local cop). It’s crazy. I hate that our children (and us parents) have to deal with this. I thank God for his teacher and the other school staff who remained calm... even though they didn’t know what was going on. And I thank God for the police officers and first responders who come to the rescue. I’m also happy that we know some local police officers. My son saw a couple today and it brought him so much comfort knowing they were there to protect him.
There are so many things to worry about in life... your child’s safety at school shouldn’t be one of them. But a situation like this really puts things into perspective... some things are more important than others. And the most important thing for me tonight- I will be hugging my kids a little tighter.
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