I used to love September.

It meant back-to-school time: new clothes, new shoes, fresh school supplies, and getting to see my friends every day.

I can’t imagine how going back to school feels these days—for kids or parents.

Now, instead of getting excited about supplies and clothes and the fun of a new school year, kids have to practice active shooter drills and parents spend their days with the quiet fear that their kids’ school will become the next location of a mass shooting.

I just watched this new PSA from Sandy Hook Promise, and it left my heart in pieces.

This shouldn’t be our reality.

This shouldn’t be our childrens’ reality.