To those who are hurting at this moment in a way that only someone who has lost a child or a loved one can understand. I lost a sister in law to murder many years ago. I've buried two children and an adopted granddaughter. When those you love are torn from your life, it leaves a gap so wide, it feels impossible to fill.

My only hope was in God. The only thing I could cling to in those times of darkness when I felt like I had cried out every tear, only to have another waterfall begin. I clung to my Father in heaven. There were times when I know I was not walking, but being carried because the pain was too great for me to bear.

You get through it, a day at a time -- sometimes a minute at a time. You hold on, because you have to.

I'm a teacher. I ache for that loss of that young principal and those heroic teachers who hid the children. They sacrificed themselves for their kids. I know in my heart, I would do the same thing. It's not being heroic. It's just love. The love a teacher has for their students.

God bless you. I pray for you now and all through this ordeal.