Antoinette Tuff is a counter narrative to the National Riffle Association (NRA). After the Sandyhook tragedy, the leadership of the NRA made the following statement, “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun in a good guy with a gun.” Well, now we know something different. 

On Tuesday of this week, God found it fitting to show our nation and the world the power of love. On that Tuesday morning a heavily armed man enters an elementary school ready to wage havoc. It was surely to be another school tragedy that ended with innocent children and adults massacred on school grounds. However, a miracle was in the works through an unarmed “good woman” aptly named Mrs. Tuff. 

As fate would have it, the would be killer was met face to face with a loving and faith-filled school worker who skillfully negotiated the situation and saved the lives of countless people. She calmed the shooter; empathized with his situation; assured him of his value and ultimately showed him a love that would eventually save his life. By all accounts Mrs. Tuff is a true American Hero. 

I have always struggled with a commonly accepted belief. It goes something like this, “if someone comes into your home to do you harm. You are justified in harming them.” This is the belief that has ignited the proliferation of hand guns in homes. Many of my friends and family members have bought hand guns and are prepared to use deadly force on any intruder that enters their home. 

We have been training for this day for three weeks. "30-07-26.  Right-Left-Right. Do it again. And again...and one more time.  What's your combination? What's your locker number?"  We did the schedule  run through a dozen times; clocking how long it will take to get from the locker to each classroom. We practiced this first day of school thing a million times and still this morning was a chaotic mess.  He was late for the bus. He forgot his glasses. He used the right combination on the wrong locker and was late to his first class. This morning was exactly what the first day of Middle School is supposed to be. 

 I am a father, husband, uncle and chess coach.  These are four of my favorite titles.  However, fathering is an obsession for me.  My son's school has always been "our place."  PTA meetings, fundraisers, class parties, literacy nights, field trips, and after school Chess Club, of course, I'm there!  So, quite naturally, the first day of school is an event for the entire family. Today is the kick off to another year of impossible challenges that always seem to become possible as time passes. 

Just like the first move in the game of Chess.  I always anticipate a great battle with hard losses, tough decisions and sacrifices.  Yet, as the game progresses, the patterns appear and the logic prevails.  One usually finds a rhythm that helps him make the tough choices and keep things moving towards the goal.   

As I stood in the hall helping my son open the right locker, I look around for a moment and realize that there were several parents having similar challenges with their new middle schoolers.  I paused and inhaled the moment.  As my son ran off to class, I helped a few other kids open their lockers, "right-left-right" before I proudly left the building.   I'm sure, the boy will remember his glasses tomorrow.  He will get to the bus stop on time.  And soon, he will learn how to open his locker in a reasonable period of time.  I trust that we will find our rhythm soon.  

Congrats to all the dad's who walked, drove or followed your kids bus to school like me today.