Too close to home

This is obvious, and I don’t care how often it is said or how cliché it is but hug and love on your kids like there is no tomorrow…for no reason, every day.

Today I was at work and heard the most frightening thing I have heard in my entire life…that a man was spotted with a gun dressed in camo behind the school across the street from my 4 and 5 years old’s daycare.   I did not panic but the feeling I had was indescribable, more like helplessness.  A normal 5 – 10 minute drive from work (you bet your ass I left early and fast as soon as I heard) seemed like it took about an hour and what was odd is the helplessness seemed to grow larger the closer I got to their school.  The roads were being blocked off right behind me as I got there, and thank God everyone was ok in the entire area that was covered with cops and news crews.  I explained to my girls generally what was going on, I don’t personally believe in shielding them from what happens in some cases in life and used this as a terrific “stay away from strangers” example.    We made it home, and although I realize the chances of an incident specific to my babies was slim I was freaked the fuck out by obvious recent national news.   I doubt I will let the girls out of my sight tonight, even though it is safe.  Overreacting? Maybe, but I am going to make sure they know daddy loves them and is here when they need me. 

Tonight when they want the extra hug or kiss or want you to read an extra book to delay bed time or they crawl into your bed because they just want to be with you take a second to think about it.  I am far from a preachy, emotional guy but I can guarantee all my kids (even the big ones not involved) are going to know that I love them through being smothered with it.  I show them every day, but man does this put a perspective on it I never want to feel again.