Fred Rogers sums up a good way for adults and kids to process this sort of week:

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.

My heart goes out to the teachers, the first responders, and the parents in Newton Connecticut—the helpers in this tragedy. The bravest Americans are those who face disasters and, unarmed, find courage to care for others even to their own ends. It's this courage—not the risible fantasy of elementary school teachers packing concealed weapons—that gives me hope.