15 years ago today I was teaching at Jefferson Elementary where Audrey was a 3rd grader. I had bought tickets to see Disney on Ice in Austin and we had gotten permission to leave school a little early to get down there ahead of traffic. Before we left school Audrey was honored for receiving 1st place in the Fire Prevention Poster contest for the city of Temple. The award also came with a gift card to Wal-Mart. So much excitement for a 3rd grader! Finally in Austin at the Disney show we watched with excitement as the characters and music came to life before us in full dazzling colors and lights. As soon as we got in the car, I put Audrey in her pj's and had a blanket handy for the ride home. Before we ever got out of Austin she was fast asleep in the back seat. At that point I turned on the radio.
In this pre-9/11 era, the first news that trickled out about something happening in Oklahoma City was minimal at school that morning. The excitement of our day far overshadowed a possible explosion at an office building. However by nightfall the news was far worse than anyone could have ever imagined. Life in the United States had now been forever scarred.
As I begin to hear the horrific stories on the radio of the number of children killed and wounded I couldn't help but look in the back seat and see my precious child safe and sound through the tears streaming down my face.
So April 19 will always be an unforgettable day of joy and heartache.
May God comfort all of the grieving hearts this day.
