We woke up this morning excited about the spring weather that was waiting for us outside. I was also super excited about the marathon. Growing up in Massachusetts it’s hard not to be excited for Patriots Day. Plus, being a marathon runner I absolutely love the Boston marathon. We spent the morning outside playing, chasing ducks, throwing sticks in the water, and riding bikes. When we got home I heard the terribly sad news about the explosions. My heart sank.
As I sat on the couch watching all the news coverage during Rowan’s nap, I couldn’t help but think about the sweet innocence of my girls. How I want so badly to protect it, to shelter them from anything bad. I thought about how sweet they are and how big, wonderful and amazing they think the world around them is. I wish they could have that perspective forever. As Rowan gets older though you can see the darkness of the world creeping in. It breaks my heart when she talks about things being scary. Of course when she woke up from her nap, off went the news and on went something about princesses. We sat there cuddled together and I thought if only things could be so simple.
It’s a funny thing about innocence though, there is a tricky balance I want to find. For as much as I want to shelter them from this fallen world, I want them to know that with every great disaster, comes great heroes as well. I want them to understand God’s true love. I want them to grow to be strong, courageous and compassionate girls. That even when faced with hardships will be able to see the glimmer of light. Girls who will be running back towards “the explosions” to help, to fight. This world may be dark at times but there is still good. I want them to see that.
Tonight we are praying for the families affected by this tragedy and we are praying for our country, that we may find the good and cling to it.
O Jen, I couldn’t agree more. What a tragedy in Boston today. My heart is breaking for all the families affected. Praying for God’s strength and peace envelop them during this intensely difficult time. I don’t have children yet, but I can begin to imagine the concern for their innocence in a world where so much darkness can exist. And I think you’re right on with your perspective. there will always be some darkness and tragedy. but there are so many good people and there is so much goodness in the world. lets all cling to it, fight for it, pass it along wherever and whenever possible. and always rely on His perfect and unending strength, peace and goodness wherever we, in our humanity, fall short.
Oh Jen, so well said. It is tricky, but it does come naturally as your kids get a little older. I am sure you’ll raise them with so much communication and honesty, it will all flow perfectly. Your girls will be much like you–so nothing to worry about! 🙂
Praying with you for those families.
With Aloha-
Beautifully said straight from a momma’s heart. I totally share your sentiment in trying to keep a balance in how to protect my boys’ innocence and also showing them that good/God always wins in the end. Thanks for sharing this, so needed today.:)
beautiful post Jen. a very scary day today with so many of our loved ones there. so much love to you and your family. miss you guys tons! XOX
Perfectly said.
It’s a shame to hear this news. Here in Spain we know what to be afraid of these things.
In my city Medina del Campo this coming weekend’s half marathon and a lot of people involved.
I would love to be like my children to live happily, her innocence makes everything easier right?. Kisses and happy Tuesday.
As Mr. Rogers said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.†To this day, especially in times of “disaster,†I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.â€
Very well said. I am wrestling with many of the same thoughts. How do we as parents balance protecting our child’s innocence while at the same time instilling in them compassion & strength. I currently don’t have an answer but I’m thankful that as my heart is heavy with sorrow for Boston it also filled with awe, joy, and pride – that even in extreme darkness there are people who choose to be lights.
Thank you so much for writing this. I’ve been a long time reader (and very rare commenter), but I wanted you to know that your words about the Boston tragedy were beautiful, in my eyes.
Beautiful post!
Beautifully written. I believe your girls will be people who, like you said, go towards “the explosions” and reach really hurting people with God’s love.
I really appreciated the way you reminded me to stop and remember the heroes. With events like what happened in Boston, it is easy to get lost in the anger, frustration, and fear. However, it is words like yours (and pictures of your smiling little girl) that make me stop, say a prayer of wishing for peace-along with a thank you to God-for allowing me and my family to be safe. And for having individuals like yourself be His messenger to me.
Long paragraph to say thanks for reminding me to look at the brighter side!
It is very sad what happened. You did a very good job at writing this post lots of powerful emotions in it. Life is about good and bad we have to take both sometimes. And there is only so much you can do to protect your girls. I was 10 when 9/11 happened and even though I was to young to understand what was going on and just wanted to watch Spongebob that day, later in life I realized when I grew up that there are many injustices in the world but all we can do is be the best person we can be and move on.