<3
Yesterday there was a stabbing (actually, apparently more of a slashing, but still) at Kelsey's college. I saw something about it come across on Facebook first, then Kelsey texted me and forwarded the email from the school, and then Twitter started to heat up about it. I wasn't too worried until I saw the tweet from Salem State saying that the guy may be back on campus, and to stay behind locked doors and away from windows - then I called, and it turned out she wasn't on campus but instead downtown having lunch with her boyfriend. PHEW. The lockdown lasted until mid afternoon, and they finally caught the guy later last night in upstate NY after he was in a car accident, apparently. He's being brought back to MA to face charges of assault with intent to murder.
What really touched me yesterday was the number of people that immediately started reaching out to me to make sure she was ok. Texts and calls and emails and tweets (<3 Amy) all worried about her. I then realized how scary it might be to people who aren't online and just hear things (woman stabbed at Salem State!! - no names) and called the grandparents to make sure they knew that Kelsey was safe. I'm very grateful that so many people hold her, and my family, in a special place and were concerned.
I was VERY impressed with how the school handled it, using every possible way to communicate, doing so often, answering questions, showing they were actively on top of things. As a parent it helped me feel better, as a student Kelsey felt better knowing what was going on when and where. I sent Tyler a message asking how he'd handle it, and he described quite a detailed plan that they were taught during RA training. It's very sad that these things have to be planned for, but I take a lot of comfort in knowing that both campuses that my kids call home actually DID plan for it, and when tested, the plan worked in this case.
Stress is starting to get crazy at work, and no matter how hard I try it's seeping into my team as well. Changes always suck, and I think that these changes will be good in the end, but it's sure as hell gonna be a painful transition. Lack of communication from the top is causing panic, especially in a group like mine that is online all day, and VERY plugged in - so every story out there about the company is seen by them first, and I can only reassure them so many times before they just kinda nod and uh-huh me. I'm starting to flare - my hands and ribs are very sore - and I'm trying not to and stay upbeat at work - but yesterday was tough. Two days in a row I've asked to have a one on one with my boss for help with this, and she's as lost as me. This too shall pass, but it's not going to be quiet or easy. Whatever doesn't kill you....?
What really touched me yesterday was the number of people that immediately started reaching out to me to make sure she was ok. Texts and calls and emails and tweets (<3 Amy) all worried about her. I then realized how scary it might be to people who aren't online and just hear things (woman stabbed at Salem State!! - no names) and called the grandparents to make sure they knew that Kelsey was safe. I'm very grateful that so many people hold her, and my family, in a special place and were concerned.
I was VERY impressed with how the school handled it, using every possible way to communicate, doing so often, answering questions, showing they were actively on top of things. As a parent it helped me feel better, as a student Kelsey felt better knowing what was going on when and where. I sent Tyler a message asking how he'd handle it, and he described quite a detailed plan that they were taught during RA training. It's very sad that these things have to be planned for, but I take a lot of comfort in knowing that both campuses that my kids call home actually DID plan for it, and when tested, the plan worked in this case.
Stress is starting to get crazy at work, and no matter how hard I try it's seeping into my team as well. Changes always suck, and I think that these changes will be good in the end, but it's sure as hell gonna be a painful transition. Lack of communication from the top is causing panic, especially in a group like mine that is online all day, and VERY plugged in - so every story out there about the company is seen by them first, and I can only reassure them so many times before they just kinda nod and uh-huh me. I'm starting to flare - my hands and ribs are very sore - and I'm trying not to and stay upbeat at work - but yesterday was tough. Two days in a row I've asked to have a one on one with my boss for help with this, and she's as lost as me. This too shall pass, but it's not going to be quiet or easy. Whatever doesn't kill you....?