I wrote the song "Handle with Care" as I was dealing with the murder of my husband's grandmother (hence the dedication to Valentine Marie Williams). The process of writing the song helped me in the healing, and in also in my feeling hopeful that I could, indeed, reach out to touch young lives to assist them in developing increased empathy and compassion for others.
I also hope and pray that it fosters in listeners/ singers a feeling of empowerment --- and an inclination --- to make a positive difference in lives where they see suffering, looking at those around them with a "trauma-informed lens."
Some of you may recognize that I based the concepts in the lyrics largely upon the well-known "Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi"; however, as a public schoolteacher, I of course had to present the message in a secular way.
And, for those who do work with students, I have attached some (optional!) instructional recommendations for those who may wish to help students explore more deeply the messages contained in the lyrics (and also check students' reading comprehension by doing so).
Currently free download:
Please click here (or copy URL) for the song, and lyrics.
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