I am a runner.

I have been running for a little over a year. I don't run as fast as some people and I run faster than others. But whether you run a 4-minute mile or a 14-minute mile, you are a runner and that makes us family.

Our family was recently shaken to its very core.

As an Army Wife who has sent her sweet soldier to both Iraq and Afghanistan, I felt a switch in my head flip as I watched the news unfold on Twitter and as I read texts from my sweet soldier.

A switch flipped in my head as I moved into “war wife”, family readiness group leader mode. What can I do? What can I say to these families who may not have had a tragedy like this hit so close to home?

Truthfully, I am no expert. But having been thrown to the wolves more times than I care to count, the following ideas are submitted to you as food for thought.

Always limit the amount of news coverage that you watch. It is human nature to want to watch and find out all we can about details and people, but it weighs me down after a while. Change the channel. Step away from the computer or device of choice and watch a favorite show or get outside.

If your kids ask questions, and they will, only answer specifically what they ask. When I had the oldest sweet boy, my dad told me that kids need to know the answer to two questions. Am I loved? Who's in control? Knowing that there are people in the world who are willing to hurt others is difficult for a child to wrap their brain around. Make sure that they fully understand that no matter what, they are loved and protected by you as their parent and that the powers that be are fully in control of the situation as it stands. Then, sweet friends, turn off the TV and find something to do together.

Be sure that you and your spouse have all of your affairs in order. It is a grim and gruesome task, but unfortunately, it has to be done. I know exactly what to do for my sweet soldier if the unthinkable happens, but do you know what to do for your spouse?  Do you know where everything is, all of the important papers and such? At the very least, write a letter of instruction that tells what your wishes are and how to do all of the things that you do for the family.

The most important thing is to continue life as you know it. Keep doing the same things that you did before that horrible event. Don't be afraid. Be vigilant. Keep your eyes open. Watch out for your fellow mankind.

Sweet friends, people don't have to die or be injured for terror to be successful. If it makes us afraid to be who we are, then they have won.

Whether your spouse is deployed or at home. Whether you are a runner or love someone who is. Don't let a horrible act make you afraid. You have an indomitable spirit!  

"This is the part of me that they're never gonna ever take away from me..."

Strength and Courage ... sby