Alison, thank you for your thoughts on this. I am so sorry you had to go through the trauma of the Parkland shooting and aftermath. Thank goodness your daughter was spared. It must have been horrific to receive that message from the school and have to go there not knowing the full story or if your daughter was safe.

Please don't be hard on yourself. It sounds like you are doing what you can to speak up, raise awareness and support children. I have the greatest respect for teachers who show up for work day after day despite their fear and anxiety.

Like you, I feel grateful for my time here and for every ordinary day. Take care of yourself.