I’ve written and deleted this several times. So, it’s just going to be my messy opinion and rambling thoughts...
The absolute senseless death of the four little lives lost today is heart wrenching. I feel the tears and the ache from knowing that their innocence was torn away so suddenly. And I can’t even imagine the confusion and fear they must have felt in those last 24 hours.
There are so many thoughts happening at once when I see the news about this: sadness for the loved ones and ache for the little ones. There’s also something more...
The definition of family has expanded. And, dating has changed. Dramatically. This man has/had a history. A publicly searchable history. While I will not judge or presume to know how these two adults came to be in each other’s lives I have to say cautiousness prevails.
If you’re a single parent, or just a single person out in the world dating - please do your homework. Be conscientious about the chances you take when letting someone new into your life.
At one point I remember someone giving me a hard time because I would Google anyone that I met online before meeting them in person. That wasn’t always the case. And later you learn the value of doing that even if you met the person casually.
Trust your gut but verify. Verify. Verify. Think with your brain and then let every other aspect of who you are chime in.
I’m not cynical or jaded. My eyes are just wide open from experiences that have hit close to home to various friends. Balance.
May all hurt by these events find peace. 💔 
