“Children are people, and they should have to reach to learn about things, to understand things, just as adults have to reach if they want to grow in mental stature. Life is composed of lights and shadows, and we would be untruthful, insincere, and saccharine if we tried to pretend there were no shadows. Most things are good, and they are the strongest things; but there are evil things too, and you are not doing a child a favor by trying to shield him from reality. The important thing is to teach a child that good can always triumph over evil.” ~ Walter Elias Disney
Walt Disney understood the value and importance of children. He lived his life to put the views of children in the forefront, and to remind us that adults are just children in a bigger form. He felt that we as adults, should never fully grow up, that life is too short to let go of our childhood fantasies. To me, that view is amazing, and should ring true today. The innocence of children and the wonder in their eyes is one of life’s greatest assets. I love Walt’s outlook, children ARE indeed something to be valued, on the highest level.
The tragedy that happened yesterday at Sandy Hook Elementary School is absolutely unthinkable. Twenty children lost their lives. They were just babies. Children. Walt wanted children to know that “good can always triumph over evil.” Yesterday, evil won. Innocence was lost. There are parents who will never get to kiss their children goodnight again…. and why? How can this happen to one of life’s most precious gifts? I don’t understand. All I know is that I grieve for those parents. I can’t even imagine what they are going through.
So, what about good being triumphant? Can it be? I believe so. Walt’s vision was to value children, and times like these give us a reminder that he was absolutely correct. The hectic nature of everyday life can make us sometimes forget what’s most important. Family. Friends. Children. We may take the people we love for granted, without even realizing that we are doing so. Tragedies are a harsh reminder that life is short, and not always fair. We need to cherish each day we have with each other, because we never know what tomorrow will bring. Tragedies like this, as well as other horrendous happenings of recent times, should bring us together as a nation. We grieve together. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to those who lost loved ones yesterday. God bless those precious babies, and bring comfort to those who loved and valued them.
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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My God bless all those families who lost loved ones on that horrific day.