Lockdown
A couple of weeks ago I was called to ‘sub’ at a nearby school where I often stand in for a teacher who will be absent for one reason or another. It appeared to be a day like any other, bright and sunny and filled with promise for the students and teachers and staff.
I love doing this work. It keeps me moving, interacting with great young people, and using a few of my teaching skills. And I don’t mind making a bit of money too, which I set aside for vacations.
But this particular morning was unlike any other. A little after 8:00, before I’d even had a chance to take attendance, a double buzzer sounded followed by an announcement that the school was under ‘full’ lockdown.
That meant the students and teachers were to move to the floor against the walls, close windows and blinds, turn out lights, lock the classroom door, and pile desks against it. Strong teenaged boys jumped to their feet to complete this task. Then back to the floor as we waited in silence.
No one could leave under any circumstances. Soft whispers and a few nervous giggles erupted while my mind raced ahead to what we would do if someone got sick or HAD to go to the bathroom, myself included, after having downed a large cup of green tea just before school started. We might be locked in for hours and hours.
A second double buzzer sounded a while later, followed by another announcement. Police had been on an all-night chase in the area near the school searching for two car jackers who were armed and dangerous. The Swat Team was called in and officers kept watch outside the school gates. Visions of Parkland and other schools in the news in recent months danced in our heads.
I thought about my age––80 on April 8––and how I’d lived a safe and healthy life most of those years. What might I be called on to do to protect these students? Could I do it? I didn’t panic. But I did think long and hard.
Then two hours later a third double buzzer sounded. The administrator thanked us for being so calm and cooperative. The police had captured the criminals and they were now in custody. The lockdown was lifted and we could resume our schoolwork. No one had gotten sick and no one had a bathroom emergency.
We flipped on the light, unlocked the classroom door, opened the window blinds, and uprighted the desks and tables.
And then it was time for school as usual––except it wasn’t. And it might never be ‘as usual’ again, as we all carry the memory of that day and what could have been––except it wasn’t.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Gosh! Karen, What an ordeal for you all. Happy that all went well and no one was injured or traumatized. God and guardian angels were watching over you all. I am thankful for that. Is sure gave the children and all their loved ones something to talk about and ponder. You were all strong and courageous.
Much love and many blessings dear friend ❤️👏🌟🕉❤️
Thank you, Kathleen.
Wow, Karen, what an experience. I’m grateful the criminals were caught and that you were all safe. It sounds like you had some wonderful co operative young people in your classroom.
Psalm 23
Thanks, Pam. Yes, Psalm 23 is a good one to keep in mind.
Wow! I’m sorry you had to deal with this, but the kids were lucky to have you there. And maybe it will give you ideas to write about in the future.
This blog was my chance to write about it and give thanks for the outcome. Appreciate your comment, Janet.
What a story! So grateful to learn that the lockdown was lifted and you and your students were safe. Clearly your prayers were answered as you leaned on the Lord for His care and protection!
Bless you, my dear friend!
Thank you, Glenda.
Thankful to hear you all came through it OK, Karen. The Lord was certainly with you, and I’m sure you were a calm, comforting presence for the students.
Thanks, Nancy. God is faithful.
What an experience!! I would have hugged you tighter when I saw you briefly on Sunday had I know what you had been through! So glad it all turned out well. Amazing how the Lord “brings us through” so many scary places in our lives. Thankful for the Good Shepherd!!
How sweet, Etta Mae. I appreciate your kind words and hugs.
How sad that we are having so many of these frightening things happeninng on our schools! I am sorry it happened and you were there but thankful no one was hurt and apparently your students took care of the things that they had to do. Just last week a teenager shot a student in the foot in a classroom and started to shoot more but someone tackeled him and he was caught before he could harm anyone else. This happened in the school system where one of my granddaughters is on the staff. She was so afraid we had heard it on the news so she called us right away. We are having to do a lot of praying for our school systems. I felt so sorry for the students who were in the classroom where the boy was shot and not they are almost too afraid to go to school!
Thank God no one was hurt where you were! Blessings to you. Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. How scary for the kids at the school you mentioned. It’s becoming all too common.
Hi Karen,
It must have been a frightening experience for you. And added the responsibility of all the students. UGH. Especially given Parkland and other school shooting tragedies. It sounds as though you weathered the storm quite nicely. Thanks for the Website URL on your last post for me. Glad to hear that you are not giving up writing. You are so-o-o talented. However, I understand the need to slow down. I am also writing a legacy book for the kids. I’ve tried to make it interactive for them. I’ve even studied DNA somewhat to see where our ancestors came from and our name as well. Have a great day Karen. You’ve been an important person, teacher, AND friend to me. Thanks. God bless you and yours real good.
Thanks, Jim. Always good to hear from you and receive your encouragement. Your family writing project sounds wonderful.
Wow! Thank God that the criminals were arrested and all of you were safe. In this day and age that is something that we can never take for granted. When I read your story…it was as if I was watching a detective movie. Thank God we have the Lord and thank God you are all ok. I pray that all violent crimes will cease.
Hi Sandy. Thanks for your kind words.
Oh my, Karen, how scary! Amazing you were all trained what to do and trusted the system in place. How grateful I am that it ended in a safe way. Good lessen for all. Not a great memory, I am sure, but like Moses, God made sure you were equipped! love, Heidi
Thanks, Heidi. It was a new experience for sure, but all was well in the end, thank God.
Wow!…. WOW! Breaks my heart for what our students and teachers have to live through. My biggest threats were a possible earthquake or fire drill. Makes me more committed to pray for our schools!
For sure. We all need prayers for wisdom and safety in unexpected situations. Thanks for your comment, Patti.
We have to rehearse a lockdown twice a year in my small elementary school in northern California. Every time we practiced, I would feel sick to my stomach and shed a few tears. It is sad that we have to do such things to prepare our children but I also think it frightens them too.
Thanks for sharing your experience with lockdowns, Christy. It’s too bad the school curriculum must now include them.
It seems the evil one is invading our schools. OF all things our most precious treasure-our children are being attacked. I am thankful all turned out ok. Everyone did what they were supposed to do. OUR Lord and Savior is alive and cares for is deeply. He is in charge!!!
Thanks, Joan, for your encouraging comment.
The truth is that evil will always be with us until the end of the church-age. Yes, the Holy Spirit gives us wisdom and teaches us what we need to know, and angels are around us, but regardless of what people think, Satan is the god of this world right now. we must be prayed up and have a right- standing in the kingdom of God. I am thankful the kingdom of God is with-in each believer. I do believe our angel can protect us, and does! I am so thankful for the safety of everyone at that school, on that day of uncertainty!
Thanks Mary, for your additional comments. I appreciate your insight.
Wow! What an experience. I’m so glad you were calm and safe. What a blessing to those students in your charge. I’m sure praying was the best action you could take as you assessed your situation. I’m praying the experience will lead to a closer communion with the Lord for you and the students. May the memory end up being something God causes good to come out of.
Laura, I appreciate your encouraging words. I’m sure we are all the better for having gone through this experience and more compassionate toward victims of all crimes.