Nineteen kids came romping up the golden staircase, taking two steps at a time, sprinting toward the mother-of-pearl gates. It’s a wonder they didn’t knock Saint Peter over onto his Blessed Assurance.
The children all smelled like little-kid sweat and stinky feet. Their loud footsteps could be heard echoing from as far away as the Andromeda Galaxy.
The children were accompanied by two teachers.
“Slow down!” yelled Ms. Garcia, 48, who headed up the rear of the class.
Ms. Garcia taught at Robb Elementary School for 23 years. She died using her body to shield her students from gunfire. She was found with students still cradled in her arms. Two days after the attacks, her grief-stricken husband passed from a massive heart attack.
“No pushing!” hollered Ms. Mireles, 44, who was close beside Ms. Garcia. “I’m not gonna tell you twice!”
Ms. Mireles taught fourth grade. She was trained in special education. She taught for 17 years. Her children idolized her. She was the woman responsible for integrating students with developmental disabilities into regular classrooms at Robb. She, too, leapt in front gunfire for her students.
The children’s voices were loud. They brought so much energy into this celestial place that crowds of seraphim began to gather at the gates until their feathers ruffled.
“The kids from Uvalde, Texas, are here,” the angels were murmuring among themselves.
Everyone up here has been expecting these tiny celebrities, of course. These kids have been on everybody’s minds. The Boss himself is a huge fan of these kids. They say he has been waiting at the gate for their triumphant arrival since about 3,000,000 B.C.
And here they came.
The doors opened. Their little faces burst through the hallway of life into life everlasting. And all eternity cheered. It was an immortal roar so loud it shook planets from their orbits and knocked the rings off Saturn.
Among the new arrivals was Jose Flores, 10. Jose is a baseball lover. He had just received an honor-roll certificate a few hours before the shooting.
There was Uziyah Garcia, 9. Uziyah is crazy about football. He can catch any pass you throw at him.
Amerie Jo Garza, she turned 10 a few weeks ago. She is a jokester and loves art. She, too, was on the honor roll.
Xavier Lopez, 10, known for his sense of humor. He loves dancing. Before the shooting, he was looking forward to school letting out for summer so he could go swimming.
Annabell Rodriguez, 10, and Jackie Cazares, 10. They’re cousins. They’re the ones holding hands.
Rojelio Torres, 10. He’s whip-smart little boy. His face could light up entire continents.
Eliahana Torres, 10. A softball phenom. She was looking forward to playing in the final softball game of her season on Monday.
Jailah Silguero, 10. She loves making videos for her friends. The night before the shooting, she said she didn’t want to go to school the next day.
Jayce Luevanos, 10. Before he died, every morning he would wake up and made his grandparents a pot of coffee. The family dog was obsessed with him.
Ellie Garcia, 9. Her favorite colors are pink and purple. She enjoys cooking, and makes a mean chalupa.
Nevaeh Bravo, 10. Her name is “heaven” spelled backward. This place was made for her.
Lexie Rubio, 10, loves sports. She received a good-citizen award shortly before the shooting. She wanted to become a lawyer someday.
Makenna Elrod, 10. Blonde. Loves gymnastics, dancing, and singing. Wild about animals.
Alithia Ramierz, 10, enjoys art, and is very good at painting. A ray of sunlight in a dark world.
Layla Salazar, 10. Each morning when her father drove her to school in his pickup, he played “Sweet Child O’ Mine” on the radio. Layla knew all the words.
Tess Mata, 10, she was saving up a container of her dollar bills for the family’s upcoming trip to Disney World.
When the Boss saw them he called their names. Each one of them. His voice was so loud that time was halted and mountains crumbled. The kids ran straight for him.
He squatted low and threw his arms open. Nineteen 9- and 10-year-olds piled straight into him and plowed him over. They crawled all over him. His laughter was thunder. His tears were hurricanes. His joy burned brighter than the sun itself. His sorrow was the Arctic Ocean.
“Welcome home,” he said, and his words split the foundations of heaven and earth in two.
This world just won’t be the same without them.
150 comments
Linda J Hendrix - May 27, 2022 6:15 am
❤️😢
Julie B - May 27, 2022 6:30 am
Best column you’ve ever written. ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ ~Psalm 34:18
He must be very close in Uvalde tonight. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost so much.
Melody Wright - May 27, 2022 12:03 pm
Thank you for this wonderful article. It reminds us that life doesn’t end but becomes even better in a better place. I love you, Sean.
oldlibrariansshelf - May 27, 2022 9:28 am
You have a child’s heart. You are a bit of Heaven given us by God. Thank you for being faithful to your calling to write for us.
Ed (Bear) - May 27, 2022 9:35 am
Thank you for your healing words.
Gail Guinn - May 27, 2022 9:41 am
God bless you, Sean for this beautiful tribute to these children and their teachers. Awesome! ❤️🙏
Tammy S. - May 27, 2022 9:49 am
There are just no words. How? Why? I came here knowing you may have some words. As always, you did not disappoint. What a beautiful scene you paint with your words. They turn our focus to the only place we can go for comfort, looking up.
My thoughts and prayers are with each of those 19 families of those beautiful children, the 2 teachers families, and now also the four children who have now lost a Mom and Dad. And for the Grandmom who was shot first, and family. Prayers for all the broken-hearted.
Connie - May 27, 2022 9:49 am
💔😭
So many need to read this. Thank you!
🇿🇦🇿🇦Norma Den - May 27, 2022 10:01 am
🇿🇦South.Africa mourns with you all. A dreadful experience which happens all too often in the USA sadly. When will the gun laws be repealed? I can imagine the joy in Heaven when that group tumbled through the gates, & I pray the remaining families can even feel that joy in their lives too. This was above excellent Sean, you’ve described Homecoming so well. We look forward to it. God bless you & the talent He has created through your heartaches.
Jay Herr - May 28, 2022 2:31 pm
There have been gun laws on the books for years. The criminals and mentally ill will not obey laws. More laws and takings guns away from the general population is not the answer.
Greta - May 28, 2022 4:35 pm
Jay Herr, that is such a tired and inaccurate argument. Where are you getting such propoganda? Do the research into mass shootings over the past 20 years. By and large, the weapons and ammo secured by the murderes in mass shootings were obtained legally. In the case of Uvalde, the 18 year old bought the two semi-automatic rifles himself, along with something like 3000 rounds of ammo.
Kidzrgone - May 28, 2022 7:51 pm
Well Ms.Greta where was the background check on this man. Oh wait he was determined to be mentally disturbed. Plus, many other incidents on his record.
Also, Killed his grandma first. Nice man who intended on killing as many as he could.
Hmm defund the police. Take away others gun rights because of another loony. Mental health where does this come into play? FB where is their part in the responsibility? They should of shut him off. They censor everything and everyone who say anything they don’t like. So I can assume they approved of his post. Did FB think to get help for the man? Nope? How about his Mom getting him some help? Nope!
So, Ms. Greta, Jay’s comment is correct!
All these killers have one thing in common. Mental illness!!!
No one wants to address that issue. Just take the guns away. Bahaha. No way in these days, will I ever surrender my privilege to have a gun.
Check your stats on how many killings have been avoided with the presence of a gun in responsible persons possession when a mentally ill person came to kill.
If you like accuracy and no propaganda then
Share all the research. Stop picking and choosing the same old tired and inaccurate argument.
Besides this thread was not about you thinking gun control is a good idea.
Sean this was a great expression of your heart.
So sad it had to once again become a political issue.
riflecoach - May 27, 2022 10:04 am
Thank you for that.
CarolSue - May 27, 2022 10:12 am
Thank you for staying with this story that is so hard to tell and always hard to hear. May it be read by people who can change the laws.
Arlene - May 27, 2022 10:13 am
May they Rest In Peace. Amen.
Gwen - May 27, 2022 10:27 am
😭😭😭. Amen brother!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Ann S. McCrickard - May 27, 2022 10:32 am
Thank you.
Madelyn Edens - May 27, 2022 10:40 am
Thanks for making these precious children more real & helping us see them as God does. Each. And. Every. One.
Sheri - May 27, 2022 10:53 am
My heart is heavy and my tears are flowing. You said it so well. Thank you.
Jana Killen - May 27, 2022 10:57 am
Tears of sorrow for these littles and their heroic teachers. Thank you, Jesus, for holding them now.
KC - May 27, 2022 11:02 am
Sean, you have just put into words, what most of us haven’t be able to do, without any prejudices or blame, a beautiful testimony of your faith and love of God and mankind in the form of 19 innocent, smart, and beautiful children and 2 of their faithful teachers. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I pray for all the families in the hope of finding some sort of comfort in losing their precious loved ones. “I can only imagine”…..
france - May 27, 2022 11:04 am
Beautiful. Thank you
Janet Hicks - May 27, 2022 11:12 am
Sean, this is a beautiful tribute to those precious children and shows us how we all will be welcomed to our new home. Thank you……
Dee - May 27, 2022 11:14 am
🥲😔🥲
Susan - May 27, 2022 11:19 am
Beautifully written. Thank you for a glimpse into Heaven welcoming these beautiful children and brave, caring teachers!
Jan - May 27, 2022 11:22 am
Thank you, Sean, for helping a nation process its grief and pointing to the only redemptive hope that brings healing and the courage to carry on. God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Right now that’s all of us.
Emily Lemon - May 27, 2022 11:24 am
Oh my ❤️.😭This is amazing. I could picture every scene. I know that our Father welcomed them just as you said. Thank you for this. Covering their families in prayer.
Marilyn Johnson - May 27, 2022 11:26 am
Beautifully written. Thank you.
Cathy Miller - May 27, 2022 11:29 am
Wow! Beautiful!
Paul McCutchen - May 27, 2022 11:30 am
It took me several times to completely read the article. I just can’t understand how someone would injure 9 and 10 year old children along with teachers there to protect them.
Anissa - May 27, 2022 11:34 am
Beautiful. Thank you.
Lucia Johnson - May 27, 2022 11:44 am
Such a powerful read! We’ll done!
Beth Wannamaker - May 27, 2022 11:49 am
One of your best – what a beautiful tribute!
Mike - May 27, 2022 11:49 am
Divinely inspired writing…again. Thank you, Sean.
Pam Williams - May 27, 2022 11:51 am
Thank you for this beautiful picture of their homecoming to our loving God. This is the most beautiful and comforting thing I’ve read since the shooting. God bless you, dear Sean. I’m so thankful for voices like yours.
babs - May 27, 2022 11:56 am
Bless you always, we ned more of you in this world, we needed the 19 and 2 also….
Michael Barrett - May 27, 2022 11:57 am
The tears flowed so much it was hard to get through this wonderful tribute.
Leigh Amiot - May 27, 2022 11:59 am
I haven’t even finished this column yet, Sean. I had to stop and get a hold of myself when you wrote that the angels announced the kids from Uvalde, Texas are here.
Martha Owens - May 27, 2022 12:12 pm
Very touching and beautiful tribute to the victims of the Uvalde shooting. May they all rest in peace.
Rick Putnam - May 27, 2022 12:13 pm
Beautifully written.
Suzie - May 27, 2022 12:14 pm
Incredibly touching and beautifully written 🥰
Brenda - May 27, 2022 12:19 pm
Beautiful heartfelt words ❤️ 😢
Phyllis Schmidbauer - May 27, 2022 12:21 pm
Thank you writing this beautiful message with such feeling and expression!!! I was so touched.
Melissa Armstrong - May 27, 2022 12:21 pm
Beautiful reminder of what a loving God we will one day see face to face, and how He knows each of us by name. I pray the parents get to read this and find their joy again one day.
Sarah - May 27, 2022 12:24 pm
Praying for these families and their community.
Linnea Miles - May 27, 2022 12:25 pm
Thank you for such a beautiful, uplifting tribute. We just can’t understand why, but we can know they’re safe now, forever.
Sheryl - May 27, 2022 12:27 pm
Thank you. Your gift with words has given me comfort and expression to my faith.
jeffkempe - May 27, 2022 12:28 pm
Bless you, Sean. So very, very sad; so full of hope. I hope somehow this gets into the hands of the grieving families.
Elisabeth Bennett - May 27, 2022 12:34 pm
God bless you, Sean, for this wonderful picture of those children meeting God in heaven!! It’s so painful to think of the loss for those parents, but I know that this will warm the hearts and tears for the families!
Vickie H - May 27, 2022 12:38 pm
Thank You for this.
Sara Shaver - May 27, 2022 12:40 pm
Thank you for this loving tribute.
Debbie Richards - May 27, 2022 12:42 pm
What a day that will be when our Savior we shall see!!
Linda Lewis - May 27, 2022 12:44 pm
This is a wonderful tribute. Thank you for writing it.
beachdreamer - May 27, 2022 12:47 pm
What a picture you’ve painted! I could see each scene…this I believe is your best ever! Wish I could send to all the families in Uvalde , in fact to the whole town ! Such a tribute to all who have left this earth and are now in the safe arms of Jesus! Thanks for the hope your words give to grieving hearts. May they be comforted and strengthened in the days ahead. God bless you Sean Dietrich for sharing your heart and love ….”What the world needs now is love sweet love…”
Debi - May 27, 2022 12:51 pm
Your words fill in where I have none, only tears. Thank you.
Bud McLaughlin - May 27, 2022 1:03 pm
This is beautiful … sadness and joy
Mark Harrus - May 27, 2022 1:03 pm
So touching, it moves me to misty eyes
Michele Beaty - May 27, 2022 1:07 pm
Even when there are no words, you, Sean,
find them perfectly.
Deacon Nick - May 27, 2022 1:12 pm
Amen!!! We have one parable in Scripture about Our Father: The Prodigal Son which really should be called the Prodigal Father, since He is always looking for our return no matter how much we have sinned, since mercy triumphs over justice. Not only is He always looking for us to return to Him, He rushes to greet us the second we turn our hearts to Him. “Our Father will exult with joy over you, He will renew you by His love; He will dance with shouts of joy for you …” (Zeph: 3:17)
Beverly - May 27, 2022 1:14 pm
Beautiful words from God!
Ann - May 27, 2022 1:16 pm
Ohhhhhh Sean. It’s all aoooo sad and unbelievable. What a beautiful heart wrenching column full of love in so much so much sorrow. 😢
Karilyn Gomez - May 27, 2022 1:21 pm
Thank you, Sean! So beautifully written, straight from the heart. Honoring their brilliant light. No longer in form and still shining brightly. May we reflect that Light in our own lives.
Anne - May 27, 2022 1:23 pm
What a precious image you have given us. Thank you, Sean.
Deb - May 27, 2022 1:27 pm
Thank you for this lovely tribute to each special Angel.
AL - May 27, 2022 1:36 pm
God inspired tribute! How the words bring sadness and tears but most of all, they bring us HOPE. They are now safe and Home for eternity. Thank you.
Judy 🌻 - May 27, 2022 1:40 pm
“They say he has been waiting at the gate for their triumphant arrival since about 3,000,000 B.C.”
I sobbed when I read that line. It is so true even for the least of us, and especially for children.
Beautifully written.
Ruth Mitchell - May 27, 2022 1:52 pm
Thank you for your words of truth and hope! Unlike those of us who are left behind, their every tear has been wiped away.
Joni - May 27, 2022 1:53 pm
Powerful. You found the words that I could not.
Joan - May 27, 2022 1:54 pm
My mind has had a hard time processing what happened in Texas. I will go with your visual. Thank you. Rock on.
NancyB - May 27, 2022 1:55 pm
Wonderful words to help lighten the load of grief we all are sharing these last few days. I’m sure there have been tributes written by people in Texas, but I urge you to send this to the local paper. It would encourage so many people. Thank you again for sharing your words with us.
Sundae - May 27, 2022 1:58 pm
Beautiful.
Irene Clements - May 27, 2022 2:04 pm
Lordy, Sean, you really did it this time. The most tears I have cried ever over one of your messages. I live in Texas and our hearts are forever broken, once again, with the work of evil in this world. Thank you for bringing the love of God into your message today, not only for the children and their families, but for all of us who follow your words of wisdom every day.
Pat - May 27, 2022 2:07 pm
I am in such AWE I cannot find the words!!!
Jackie Smith - May 27, 2022 2:08 pm
Thanks for bringing them back for a while and reminding us they are in loving hands again.
Judy - May 27, 2022 2:09 pm
Hopefully none of us will ever be the same. I hope this will cause us to act to make changes in this nation of ours. Heaven is smiling but we are in tears.
Anne Arthur - May 27, 2022 2:10 pm
Wow! What a beautiful tribute!
Sue Adams - May 27, 2022 2:12 pm
What a beautiful perspective. after all the tears, this scene brought a smile. Thank you.
Gordon - May 27, 2022 2:14 pm
Wonderful; touching; heartfelt. Thank you Sean.
Wally Evans - May 27, 2022 2:19 pm
Amen, and thank you for this beautiful piece for such lovely and adoring children and teachers.
Lana - May 27, 2022 2:26 pm
So good, thank you.💔🙏🏻
Robert (Robin) Moore - May 27, 2022 2:28 pm
Does belief in life after death make it easier to accept loss of the presence of a loved one for the rest of ones lifetime?
Connie - May 27, 2022 2:32 pm
Sean. That is absolutely beautiful. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! Oh how God uses you!!
BEX - May 27, 2022 2:36 pm
Thank you. God bless!
Jan - May 27, 2022 2:37 pm
Beautiful tribute! Thank you so much for sharing details about these precious lives. God bless them all and God bless you for mourning their loss in such a meaningful and touching manner.
Richard C - May 27, 2022 2:38 pm
Well said.
Richard C. - May 27, 2022 2:37 pm
Amazing tribute! Thank you. I hope this finds a way to those hurting families. May God comfort all who mourn.
Pat - May 27, 2022 2:49 pm
The best description of a heavenly homecoming I have ever read
Thanks for taking the time to help those grieving their loss
laurenhiker - May 27, 2022 2:52 pm
Beautiful, Sean! “And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.”
Judith Harris - May 27, 2022 2:55 pm
Beautifully written. Brought tears to my eyes and put a smile on my face. I could so visualize your words and I hope the parents, grandparents, children and all who loved these precious angels have the opportunity to read your comforting words
As a former teacher of 48 years, I lose a little piece of my heart each time we suffer one of these horrendous, senseless school shootings.
Suzanne - May 27, 2022 2:57 pm
And the people said, Amen.💔
Patricia Gibson - May 27, 2022 2:57 pm
That was so moving, Sean 🙏
Greg - May 27, 2022 3:05 pm
Sean , that is a sweet story as the Christian religion tells us that we will go to heaven after our life on earth. So when we face horrific earthly events like this we tend to use the trump card of Heaven to make this life more tolerable.
But the same religion teaches that our actions on this earth are monitored and that we will be held to account for for our lives. Jesus set the example when he threw out the money changers. Christians are tasked to recognize evil and oppose it. Every Christian must now take action by voting out of office any politician who refuses to support meaningful gun control to ban all assault rifles. Otherwise, the next Uvalde , Columbine, Sandy Hook type mass shooting will be on them.
I was raised in the Deep South as a Republican. I even voted for Richard Nixon.
deborah carroll - May 28, 2022 5:04 pm
Thank you for this. What matters most is that we heed these words and let this tribute to murdered loved ones be the last.
Pat - May 27, 2022 3:11 pm
The only thing that can relieve the loss of a loved one is knowing that their Heavenly Father is there waiting to take care of them. At the end of the day those parents can dry their eyes and breathe a small sign of relief knowing GOD will always be watching over their children, making them smile
Until the day they can once again be together
Susan - May 27, 2022 3:28 pm
Just beautiful.
Jean L Daniel - May 27, 2022 3:33 pm
What a visual! I taught first grade before I retired! Thank you, Sean, just thank you!
Jo Clark - May 27, 2022 3:41 pm
Thank you for validating each life in such a beautifully sensitive way!
Roy J - May 27, 2022 3:46 pm
Thanks, for such a great view of what happened next. It brought tears, but what picture of belonging, being loved you paint with the words of the two teachers , and the boss being bowled over as he bent down to be bowled over! And there is no doubt to the depth of his sorrow😢.
Rosie Murphey - May 27, 2022 3:55 pm
Beautiful words for beautiful teachers and children.
Opal Croke - May 27, 2022 4:03 pm
Thank youu
Susie - May 27, 2022 4:07 pm
Lovely, lovely, lovely. NOW, what are we a
ADULTS gonna do about gun violence?!?! HUH???? Keep on sending JUST ” thoughts and prayers”?? WOW……yeah…..like that’ll take care of it. Denial and laziness.
BW Bua - May 27, 2022 6:01 pm
Susie… don’t forget Greed….. the only thing the republicans pray to is the NRA!! I weep for the future …… who wil be next…… Mom Dad Sister Brother Son Daughter Cousin Friend??? We are all in danger now & the Republicans are holding the Rifle Cocked & loaded…..😢
Susie - May 27, 2022 7:41 pm
BW but. You are right !! I DID forget the most important sin of the Repubs. GREED.. YEP. They will do anything to stay in power, so that they can line their pockets and look forward to their huge pensions. Grrrrr. They forgot about us commoners a long time ago. They only people they are fooling are the ines voting for them.
Susie - May 27, 2022 7:49 pm
To BW bua…scary, isn’t it, how many never bring up what you and I are worried about…..talk about mass delusion. I see the end for us all, everyone,
, because of ignorance, denial, being so easily gaslighted by lies, it goes on and on.
Dawn - May 27, 2022 4:08 pm
Absolutely beautiful!!
Karen - May 27, 2022 4:16 pm
Heart touching in remembering each of these beautiful souls.
Steve Vinson - May 27, 2022 4:18 pm
Inspired! What a blessing in the midst of so much grief.
Deb Robbins - May 27, 2022 4:23 pm
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you.
PL - May 27, 2022 4:25 pm
Sean, that’s one of the most amazing pieces of writing ever! God is gonna high five you for that one day!
Becky Souders - May 27, 2022 4:30 pm
Thank you.
Randi Anglin - May 27, 2022 4:30 pm
I smiled the entire time while reading. Thanks for sharing joy in this time
Sandy - May 27, 2022 4:31 pm
Wow, the column is heart wrenching. You presented it well Sean.
Susie Flick - May 27, 2022 4:44 pm
Wish there wasn’t a reason to write such a wonderful story, hoping & praying for changes and better days. My heart goes out to all the families and the Ulvade community. Sending hugs, prayers and peace.
Gaye Baker - May 27, 2022 4:56 pm
What a wonderful and emotionally moving tribute. As I read what you wrote I could see the events in my head and a tiny bit of the anguish I have felt left me. There is NO DOUBT that these innocent children went to Heaven. God Bless you, Sean….you have made my life a bit better today and I thank you.
Janice Self Robertson - May 27, 2022 5:01 pm
What a beautiful picture you just painted with your words! 🙂 <3
SHIRLEY J JONES - May 27, 2022 5:06 pm
Moved to tears. Thank you.
Nena M - May 27, 2022 5:08 pm
Beautiful
Linda Willson - May 27, 2022 5:18 pm
It’s the only thing that makes this horror even remotely bearable is knowing they are in Gods arms now.
John Comis - May 27, 2022 5:20 pm
This is a most inspiring and inspired writing for the slain children and teachers. Thank you.
Suzi - May 27, 2022 6:04 pm
Sean, when I read this last night, I couldn’t stop crying. It has taken me 12 hours to write to you, thanking your for your words of comfort for us all. I’m a Christian, and the visual you painted with your story touched my soul. Thank you for not just me but for all of us who have lost children. God Bless you Sean!
Jannie Bryant - May 27, 2022 6:08 pm
Thank you Sean. You done good.
Asena N. - May 27, 2022 6:15 pm
This is so gorgeously sad and sweet. I hope the families read this. It paints such a beautiful picture. I would hope it could bring them a little comfort. Thank you so much Sean. I’m going to go give my babies some love now. I really do take for granted all the blessings I have that can be so quickly lost. 💔
Cyndy Clemens - May 27, 2022 6:29 pm
Most excellent memorial. Prayers for all the survivors.
Betty Hamilton - May 27, 2022 6:31 pm
Thank you for this moving tribute to the Robb Elementary victims. Such a sad needless event.
Patra - May 27, 2022 6:51 pm
Sean,
You have such a wonderful gift from “ the Man upstairs” as my grandfather called Him. Your stories have a way of touching the soul. Those beautiful, darling children and their teachers were brought to life in my mind as I read you post today. Sometimes you make me laugh and other times I cry. Today I can’t stop the tears. Guess, our whole country is crying about this sad event in Texas in one way or another. Patra
Kathleen - May 27, 2022 6:57 pm
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔my heart broke 21 times. God Bless them everyone. God Bless you Sean.
john - May 27, 2022 8:07 pm
Sean, this was a very touching and relevant in the light of the shooting in Uvalde. What disappoints me is that many making comments, not all by any means, totally miss the fact that close to 1,000,000 (that’s 1 million) children are murdered every year and no one screams about it and calls for an end to the largest provider of that murder.
Greta - May 28, 2022 12:58 am
How dare you, John. How dare you.
Here are some very appropriate words from Rev. John Pavlovitz:
Professed.
Pro.
Life.
Gun.
Lovers.
Stop.
Equating.
Them.
And.
Other.
Shooting.
Victims.
To.
Embryos.
And.
Fetuses.
They.
Were.
Named.
Beloved.
Sentient.
Singing.
Hugging.
Smiling.
Human.
Beings.
With.
Families.
Pets.
And.
Friends.
You.
Are.
Insulting.
Their.
Lives.
Families.
And.
Memories.
And.
You’re.
Not.
Pro.
Life.
And you, John, should be so very ashamed.
Chris Smith - May 27, 2022 8:45 pm
I have just begun reading your columns. This is one of your best. Such a positive viewpoint for such a horrible event. I hope the parents get to read it.
Teresa Blankenship - May 27, 2022 10:01 pm
♥️🙏
Linda Moon - May 27, 2022 10:05 pm
‘Home’. What a beautiful word. ‘Teacher’ is too. And all these names of students are beyond description. Thank you for welcoming all of them home, Boss. And thank you for telling us their names, Sean, written now for all eternity.
Bb - May 27, 2022 10:21 pm
Beautiful
Now time to change the laws like other countries have done so those parents would have their children longer…this was senseless…
Paula - May 27, 2022 11:10 pm
This article gave me cold chills. I always know when God is speaking to me when that happens. Bless you, Sean, for this tribute.
Donna Blair - May 27, 2022 11:21 pm
I hope you share his on Facebook. I don’t have any words of comfort, but yours put a sweet picture in my mind. Thank you.
Barbara Ketron - May 28, 2022 1:44 am
This made me cry, again. I spent many years in a classroom of fourth graders and this whole thing is so tragic.
CHARALEEN WRIGHT - May 28, 2022 5:23 am
❤️
Amanda - May 28, 2022 1:34 pm
Wow this article hit me hard. I am a substitute teacher and we practice these drills over and over how to take care of our children/students. And its crazy how a young man just decided one day I’m going to take lives, little precious lives away from their parents and families. Sean this is an amazing writing. Thanks for sharing it. It’s sad how mor crazier our country is getting. I pray for all those families in Texas that lost their babies this week. And I pray for our country as well. May God bless you sir…
Dale Parsons - May 28, 2022 2:47 pm
No words. Just heart.
Victoria Thompson - May 29, 2022 12:08 am
Thank You .. for These beautiful, thoughtful and eloquent words!
Suzanne Cahill - May 29, 2022 2:11 am
Beautiful. Thank you.
Jocelyn E Piccone - May 29, 2022 3:19 pm
Wow Beautiful….I can actually see it…..Thank you…
Barbara Foley - May 29, 2022 4:02 pm
Beautiful tribute! Thank you.
rosemary mize - May 30, 2022 2:08 am
Thank you for sharing the special thoughts for reassurance for the ones we lost here but The Lord has now.
Gail - May 30, 2022 1:55 pm
I pray the promise of heaven for these precious ones will ease the pain of loss for their families.🙏🙏🙏
Sandra Jones - May 30, 2022 3:35 pm
Tears of sadness
Jennifer Flickinger - May 30, 2022 8:59 pm
So very beautiful. Until we meet face to face, I will on my knees praying for your precious families and keeping the faith.
Margaret C - June 1, 2022 3:52 pm
That is beautiful! Thank you.
Debbie Taylor - June 2, 2022 11:14 am
Sean, thank you for honoring each child and teacher who died in this tragedy. It must have been painful for you to put your words on paper as you thought about each of these precious beings. Thank you for doing this so we could know just a little about them, too.
Frances Coleman - June 3, 2022 1:44 pm
Adding my thanks to everyone else’s!
Buddy Caudill - June 16, 2022 3:40 am
Wow !
Your gift of heartfelt words, shared with all who will slow down, and read, has once again brought this old fella to tears.
What a fitting tribute.
Thank you, for sharing.
Prayers for the families, the community and all who have been touched by this horrific tragedy.