Today

Today, my 17 year old son's alarm went off at 6 AM. Charlotte Bacon's did not.

Today, my 17 year old son reluctantly got out of bed. Daniel Barden did not.

Today, my 17 year old son got dressed in one of his favorite t-shirts, a sweater he had darned, and jeans that he had patched (not because it was needed but because he is creative with fashion).  Olivia Engel did not.

Today, my 17 year old son ate yogurt and drank some coffee that my husband had made.  Josephine Gay did not.

Today, my 17 year old son brushed his teeth and combed his (mop like) hair.  Dylan Hockley did not.

Today, my 17 year old son put on a warm(ish) coat, scarf and gloves before heading out the door.  Madeleine Hsu did not.

Today, my 17 year old son was handed gas/breakfast money by me.  Catherine Hubbard was not.

Today, my 17 year old son drove "his" car to get gas and breakfast before he went to school.  Chase Kowalski did not.

Today, my 17 year old son will probably go out during his study hall period with friends to get coffee or some snack.  Jesse Lewis will not.

Today, my 17 year old son will attend classes in AP English, Family Living, History, Graphic Design, and Marketing, Advertising & Sales.  Ana Márquez-Greene will not.

Today, my 17 year old son will (probably) eat the lunch I packed for him with his friends.  James Mattioli will not.

Today, my 17 year old son will audition for the spring musical (call back day).  Grace McDonnell will not.

Today, my 17 year old son will drive "his" car home from school (perhaps dropping off a friend on the way).  Emilie Parker will not.

Today, my 17 year old son will have dinner with his family.  Jack Pinto will not.

Today, my 17 year old son will do his homework (if he has any).  Noah Pozner will not.

Today, my 17 year old son will (probably) wonder when he will hear from his top college choice.  Caroline Previd will not.

Today, my 17 year old son will listen to "his" music too loudly (using his ear buds).  Jessica Rekos will not.

Today, my 17 year old son will work on one of his passion projects.  (Probably his ever evolving jeans or denim jacket.) Avielle Richman will not.

Today, my 17 year old son will follow his evening routine; undressing (socks missing the laundry hamper), showering (bathroom floor puddled with water) and brushing his teeth (leaving the toothpaste uncapped).  Benjamin Wheeler will not.

Today, my 17 year old son will climb into his warm bed, turn off his light (later than I would like), and go to sleep.  Allison Wyatt will not.

 

Tomorrow, my 17 year old son will wake up and do much of the same, as this "average" teen does most every day.  Charlotte Bacon, Daniel Barden, Olivia Engel, Josephine Gay, Dylan Hockley, Madeleine Hsu, Catherine Hubbard, Chase Kowalski, Jesse Lewis, Ana Márquez-Greene, James Mattioli, Grace McDonnell, Emilie Parker, Jack Pinto, Noah Pozner, Caroline Previd, Jessica Rekos, Avielle Richman, Benjamin Wheeler, and Allison Wyatt will not.

It's been ten years since Charlotte Bacon, Daniel Barden, Olivia Engel, Josephine Gay, Dylan Hockley, Madeleine Hsu, Catherine Hubbard, Chase Kowalski, Jesse Lewis, Ana Márquez-Greene, James Mattioli,  Grace McDonnell, Emilie Parker, Jack Pinto, Noah Pozner, Caroline Previd, Jessica Rekos, Avielle Richman, Benjamin Wheeler, and Allison Wyatt along with Rachel D'Avino, Dawn Hochsprung, Anne Marie Murphy, Lauren Rousseau, Mary Sherlach and Victoria Leigh Soto were gunned down at the Sandy Hook elementary school.

Ten years later, as of this week there have been 48 school shootings, 29 students or other children have been killed as a result.  What will the number be next week?