Can faith in humanity be restored?

     Today,  the funerals for the children murdered in Newton, Connecticut started.  What a sad day.  The entire nation seems to be riveted.  Everywhere you go, people are talking about the tragedy.  People are coming together to help the families of the victims and the outpouring of love is amazing.  In spite of the horror of this entire event, my faith in humanity is being restored.
      This tragedy reminds me of so many others.  Why is it that we need something terrible to happen before we jump to help?  Why don't we volunteer more of our time before the tragedy?
     Do you remember the Oklahoma City bombing?  Those children who died in the preschool across the street?  People jumped to help those families immediately.
     What about 9/11?  Everyone remembers where they were.  Do you remember how sad you were?  How the entire country felt a collective anger and sadness?  The simultaneous death of so many people, so much grief, so much bravery.  The Fireman gave their lives trying to save as many people as possible.  For months after that, people volunteered to help and gave in any way they could.
     Now, we have these senseless murders.  20 young children will be buried this week.  We all grieve for these families.  With the holidays quickly approaching, instead of feeling joy, these families will be grieving the ultimate loss.  I had a friend post the pictures of these victims on facebook today.  Tears instantly came to my eyes.  Many have gathered together to give of their time to these families.
     Besides the grief, there is fear.  For those who are teachers, do you wonder what you would do if ever faced with the same circumstance?  How would you protect those precious angels in your care?  As parents, do you fear for your children?  I certainly do.  We always worry, and want our children to be safe, but at this exact time, many are afraid.
     How many others are sad at this time of the year.  Maybe we should all try a little harder to pay attention to those we see.  Lend a hand to the hurting, you never know when you will be the one needing the hand.