This page is dedicated to those students and
teacher at Columbine High School 
who lost their lives in this unspeakable tragedy. Our prayers and
thoughts go out to the families and friends left behind. I did not know anyone there
personally, nor have I known anyone in any of these school shootings that have occurred in
the past two years, but I have been deeply touched by these terrible events.
What is going on!?
From all accounts in this most recent event these were not necessarily "bad kids". Maybe misunderstood, ignored, and had some problems, but not what we would normally consider Juvenile Delinquents. Who is truly to blame, and is there blame to be had?
To all the parents that see this: My son has really given me a different perspective on things during his 1st year of life, and even though sometimes our kids can be maddening (and I know I'll have more of that in the years to come) we must take the time every day to let them know how much we love them, and care about their well being. Even if we anger them with our decisions about their lives, they must have the knowledge, faith, and the trust that they can come and speak to us about anything at anytime. If not us their parents then maybe an Aunt, Uncle, Grandparent, close family friend, someone who will listen and give them the proper perspective on their problems or just a forum to vent their anger if that is what is needed. They should not have the chance to let their emotions or their insecurities get the best of them. They certainly should not have access to any kind of weapons at all.
It is up to us as parents to involve them in worthwhile activities and to be involved in these activities with them. Meaning if its a baseball game, we should be there when possible. Get involved with their school as well, be on a first name basis with the teachers and personally give them your work and home phone numbers. Impress upon the teachers that its OK to call if they feel the need or think your child is having some kind of difficulties.
Please help them so we can avoid these unfortunate and unnecessary acts of violence.
To all the kids that read this: I was once a kid too, and as hard as it is to believe, so were your parents. We understand much of the confusion, anxiety, and even anger you feel at different times as you grow into teenagers and adults because we have all been there at one time or another. If your parents make you angry because of decisions they make, like not letting you go to an overnight party even though all your friends will be there and you think you'll be a geek because you can't go, understand that they have their reasons for doing this and they are not purposely trying to ruin your life. On the contrary they are looking out for your welfare the best that they know how. It's OK to be angry, but talk about it with someone. Your parents are not your enemies! They care about you more than you could ever imagine even if sometimes they don't seem to act that way.
Remember, it is normal to be angry or confused at times, but
please understand that there
are people you can talk to about these feelings. Your parents should be the first but if
you're not comfortable talking to them try a close relative, a 
friend's
parent or even a school counselor or teacher. Do not keep these feelings to yourself, it
will only make you feel worse. Talking will help you and others understand these feelings
better and may also help you to understand why your parents make the decisions that they
do. Violence is never the answer, it only leads to bad
feelings, trouble for you, possibly even jail or worse!
And finally, always remember that you are no better or worse than any other kid around. Do not make fun of someone because of the way they look, the way they dress, their religious beliefs, or any other reason for that matter. Think of how you would feel or do feel when someone makes fun of you. Instead of making fun of them, talk to them. You may realize they have much to offer other than just being "cool", and you may make some very good life long friends.
To all of you reading this page: Please pass this page on to others to read and please sign the guestbook. As of today (April 23, 1999) my intentions are to pass our thoughts along to the families in Colorado who unfortunately lived this tragedy first hand. However, If I do not accomplish this task then this page is for as many parents and children as possible to read, together or individually. I am not a philosopher or a great speaker, but someone who felt the need to do something no matter how small. I just needed to speak from the heart. I hope I have accomplished that and touched your hearts in some way.
Thanks for reading, and hug each other often.
HH
The address of this page is:
www.geocities.com/Heartland/Lake/8210/littleton.html