We are not supposed to outlive our children

The death of a child topples the natural hierarchy of the circle of life. It is an inexplicably cruel and heart wrenching experiences anyone can go through. This pain cannot be justified nor surpassed. The agony of a child dying is in itself so unfathomable, that no one can even begin to imagine the impact of a child being murdered. My fingers tremble when I write this. We are a nation that is mourning a loss of our children that were mass murdered that wretched day. So many coffins, so many unfinished lives.
Whenever I think of that dark, wretched day, when I stood frozen in my tracks like millions others – staring into the TV screen, trying to fathom what was happening. The count kept increasing, the news went from a terrorist attack to a mass massacre of little children whose coffins would fit in your lap. Whenever I think of that wretched day, I feel guilty for carrying on with my daily life, like nothing has ever happened. I feel guilty for each moment, I didn’t remember that wretched day. I feel guilty for being physically unaffected by this massively grave tragedy.
Whenever I think of the mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters and class fellow of those kids that passed away that wretched day, I feel guilty for being alive.
But here we are, writing about the tragedy, planning anniversary event of that unforgivably criminal day. Life in its all might has carried on. One might just think that there should never come anything positive out of this tragedy. These unspeakable tragedies leave us even more bitter and cynical. We lose hope. But well, all hope is never lost. Whoever has met the children who continue to go to Army Public School, are witness to the incorrigibly heightening spirit of those brave kids. These kids are a beacon for each and every one of us. They continue their lives with the hope and determination that they will beat the odds, they will actually make it through despite the immense fear and immense tragedy they have endured. They have been through the most unbearably horrific experience of anyone’s life and they have come out steadfast to the resolve of their bright future. They don’t leave us with an excuse to complain do they? I have truly understood the meaning of Iqbal’s verses… These little children have life’s most precious lessons for even the wisest of us.
Yes, we are not supposed to outlive our children. However, we have an even bigger responsibility to protect the children of our nation. We must absolutely NEVER forget what happened on the 16th of December 2014. And we must work towards making our country a safe place for our children. There is no politics, no differences above this. This should be our collective goal. Period.