Just Let Me Grieve

So many deaths. Again. Children this time and their teachers. Adults recently just shopping. Worshippers in church killed. Hatred expressed. Life gone. Hopes dashed. Futures snuffed out.

Black friends teaching their sons and daughters how to talk to people so they can come home that night, and the next, and not be murdered. It's smart to teach them I know because of the world around us...but it brings tears to my eyes that it has to be done to save their children's lives. I never had to tell my children those instructions just so they might come home.

Latino parents sending their children to school, only a few days of school left before summer vacation. Summer! Yes, as any child is happy for a break. Summer break. And now there is no summer break for them. There is death. Death. Heartache. The death of hope. The teachers murdered too who were spending their lives to make a difference in their community and for these children and their families.

People of various faiths worshipping in a variety of places that used to be safe places but now violence enters so often. Death.

Rambling I know. But the violence just goes on and on. I am sad. Let me just be sad a while. I don't want to just turn to the next story, like how quickly war has left the front and center of our attention, except for those in Ukraine who still face death every day.

And don't tell me about how many people die or are murdered in other ways and we should care about them more. Don't tell me that...right now. I know you are right. I care about them too. But don't tell me that right now. Let me grieve for this classroom. Let me grieve for this grocery store. Let me grieve for this church and these faith communities.

We all have our own problems, I get that. I do too. But just let me grieve for someone else this time.

Sorrow. Pain. Sadness. When will it end? Stop it people.

I know it will go on, I know that. But let me never stop crying out for it to stop. Wishing for it to end. Praying for it to just stop.