Gratitude and Hope

I've been sitting here with fingers resting on home row, trying to figure out what to type, whether to mention the tragic events that took place last Friday in Newtown or ignore them completely.  They don't seem to have a place in a post with a theme of gratitude, but it seems disrespectful to ignore the unimaginable, inexplainable incident that has saddened people around the world and torn lives apart.  It just doesn't feel right to express gratitude when so many parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, emergency responders and more, are struggling with emotions so very far from gratitude. 

I could say "I'm grateful my children are healthy and safe", but somehow it seems insensitive.  I could write "I'm grateful we have gun control" but that seems unkind, as though I'm judging or wagging my finger at the U.S., as though we are superior in some way.  I think it would be foolish for us to think something like this could never happen in Canada.  Being grateful after such a tragic event makes me feel uneasy, like I'm tempting fate.  Perhaps today, being hopeful will bring more comfort.  

I am hopeful that those affected by the tragedy will get the help they need.

I am hopeful that changes will be made to lessen the chance of this happening again.

I am hopeful that others will recognize those struggling with depression and sadness and aid them in getting the help they need.

I am hopeful that more funding will be focused on helping those with mental illness.

It gives me hope when I see so many postings focusing on and sharing stories of the goodness of humanity rather than details of the shooting.  I still believe that people are essentially good.

 I'd like to share this quote by Mr. Rogers that I first read on my cousin Michelle's wall.

Fred Rogers often told this story about when he was a boy and would see scary things on 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 may caring people in this world."