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A Heartfelt Thank You to Parents Like This Brave Sandy Hook Mom Advocating for Our Kids’ Safety
I found myself at my kitchen counter during my first call with Laura Smith, while my kids were unusually quiet, likely due to an overdose of cartoons and too many snacks. I was filled with an unexpected sense of excitement to speak with Laura. It felt strange to feel that way while discussing such serious topics as threat management and violence prevention, especially with the founder of Safety First Schools. Yet, there I was, thrilled to connect with this articulate and passionate woman who might just be the catalyst needed for meaningful change.
Safety First Schools is an initiative born from the tragedy at Sandy Hook. Laura is the mother of Emily, the sweet girl with the infectious smile who touched so many hearts on that fateful December day four years ago. Emily’s life was tragically cut short, and her mother is on a mission to ensure that others understand how preventable such a heartbreaking event can be.
I’ve long recognized that violence is not random; it’s a process that can be anticipated and mitigated. No one simply “snaps.” Schools have the capacity to do much more in identifying students in distress and guiding them toward a more positive path. Community collaboration is essential in enhancing emergency response and security protocols in educational settings. Parents often mistakenly believe that someone else has already taken care of these crucial safety measures—conducting drills, coordinating with law enforcement, identifying vulnerabilities, and reporting concerning behaviors. The violence we’ve witnessed does not have to continue, but acknowledging this truth and committing to daily improvement is essential.
In today’s political landscape, it’s vital to remember that real change often comes from everyday people, not just politicians or those with wealth and influence. It’s the ordinary individuals who loved deeply and felt compelled to act. For instance, the emergency alerts you receive when a child goes missing are thanks to the tireless advocacy of Amber Hagerman’s parents, who wanted to prevent such tragedies for others. The “Code Adam” protocol in stores was established by the parents of Adam Walsh, not a legislator. Megan Kanka’s parents fought to ensure that information about sex offenders is accessible to the public. Despite ongoing complacency among some school administrators and parents who refuse to accept the reality of potential violence in schools, Laura Smith continues her relentless work to enhance safety for all children.
I often express the need for action regarding school safety, but if I’m truly honest, I wonder if I could muster the strength to get out of bed each day if I were in Laura’s shoes. The fact that she and others like her manage to rise above their grief to ensure the safety of my children is profoundly humbling. If I can contribute, even in a small way, to support their efforts and honor their children, that would be more than enough.
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In summary, we owe a debt of gratitude to parents like Laura Smith, who transform their profound loss into a mission for change and safety. Their advocacy not only benefits our children but also strengthens our communities.