ice cream, extra story day

This evening Michelle and I will do what I know every parent in America will do, which is hug our children a little tighter.  We’ll tell them that we love them and we’ll remind each other how deeply we love one another.  But there are families in Connecticut that cannot do that tonight and they need all of us right now.  (President Obama)

Words cannot adequately express the heartache I feel for the students and teachers of Sandy Hook Elementary School, and to their families and friends.  This tragedy is simply unimaginable.  

I’m leaving my daughter for part of this night to attend a class party in celebration of the end of clerkship year (for most of us, I still have psych and neuro to complete in the spring).  Although she will be in the loving arms of her father, it will be so hard to leave her.  Not in comparison at all to the horrific events in Newtown, CT, but Aurelia had her two-month vaccines today (one oral, three shots).  I was holding her in my arms, attempting to breastfeed her as this look of utter shock and pain washed over her face and she let out a bloodcurdling scream.  And then I burst into tears.

John said I had to go out tonight.  I told her to be good to her.

Him: I’m always good to her.

Me: I know, but be extra good.  Like, if she were older, it would be the kind of night when she could have ice cream.  And an extra story at bedtime.  It would be that kind of day.

Him: <smiling sympathetically> Okay, honey.  It’s that kind of day.

To those directly affected by the events at Sandy Hook (though in a way we are all directly affected), I am so sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and a great part of my heart are with you tonight and for a very, very long time.