Editor's Note: Thank you for the calls,
texts, and emails about last weeks story, "The Fast Curve Ball." Our
family and our business are doing great and we are looking forward to
moving to Del Sur.
lnstagram and Teachers
Written by Ray Shay
Our
deal with our three boys, Troy, Raymond, and Ryan is pretty clear.
Whatever social media program they have on their computer, I-phone,
I-Pad or I-whatever, Theresa and I can review anytime, anywhere.
Our
son's know we will be checking on their Instagram and they will be held
responsible for what they post or communicate. As long as they do
their "jobs" of maintaining very good grades, playing hard on a team
sport, and being respectful and polite to others, we are all good.
Violate any of these rules and they loose the privilege of having access
to any social media as well as the opportunity to explore the great
outdoors.
I recently happen to access our twelve year old son, Raymond's Instagram. I saw some funny photos including a picture of a watermelon. I saw pictures of him and his friends on his SDSC soccer team and a picture of us throwing snowballs at each other at Lake Arrowhead. I then saw the following picture and writing he found somewhere on the internet and posted on his Instagram account. I thought it was pretty cool he was honoring a teacher.
While reading it, I felt the familiar pit in my stomach. The sadness of the Sandyhook Elementary School tragedy will be with us for a very long time. Some things you never forget.
Victoria
was an amazing hero. I feel all teachers are heroes in a special way.
They don't have to sacrifice their own life to save a group of first
graders to retain that title. Teachers save our children every day
after they walk through their classroom doors looking for a seat in a
frequently over crowded classroom.
Teachers are
really amazing people. They get paid peanuts for all their hard work
and yet due to budget issues, they get to receive an annual registered
letter from our School Superintendent saying this could be the year
they will be fired.
As I thought more of Victoria and the
dreadful day the armed idiot entered her classroom, the more I realized
I am not surprised by her actions. Have you looked at your children's
teacher's eyes when they greet our kids? Have you noticed their
smiles and the hand they often place on their shoulder? Have you
noticed how often teachers from years past will ask about your children
or call out their first name when they see them?
I have a simple explanation. Again, call me
crazy, but I honestly think the vast majority of teachers as well as
principals and other district employees view our children as their
own. They would likely respond like Victoria and do everything they
could to protect our children. I can't think of many parents who would
not sacrifice their own lives, so their children could live.
I think the love of your children is
normally somewhere in the basic parts of your DNA. I cannot say every
parent has it. Unfortunately in police work, I would often see the
exception where for whatever reason that particular molecular did not
connect. It is not pretty when it happens.
I am thankful for Victoria, her family, and
all teachers, administrators and volunteers who support, educate and
protect our children. You made our son's Instagram post this month and
he had 59 likes. Sometimes good things come in small packages.
You truly are our heroes.
Have a great week!
Ray & Theresa Shay
