Is it at all possible, in the wake of such an incredible act of violence, such chilling evil, such incomprehensible behavior, that we may finally redefine our sense of heroes in this country? Despite the fact that the textbook definition of a hero is “a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal,” only in cartoons have heroes typically been depicted as those who save the world. In reality, our kids idolize ‘heroes’ who score the most baskets, make the most touchdowns, alter the most reality, make the most movies, have the best bodies, are the most popular, accumulate the most wealth, or worst of all, cause the most trouble.

As parents, we all know these people aren’t really heroes, though a few may deserve credit for using their power in a positive way. They’re celebrities who’ve been bestowed a de facto hero status perpetuated by the media’s constant obsession with highlighting their every move, good or bad. But you can’t only blame the media. After all, they’re only giving us what we’ll buy, no different than any other product or service. They obsess and we consume. As a result, our kids cannot turn on the television, play on the computer or pick up a magazine at the grocery store without seeing Lindsay Lohan get arrested, Paris Hilton drink another martini, Kim Kardashian attend another useless Hollywood party or {insert celebrity or athlete name} have another affair. These have become our nation’s heroes.

There is truly nothing positive to glean from Friday’s act of terrorism. No silver lining. No master plan. But it has shown us who the true heroes are similar to the way firefighters were catapulted to a new level of bravery after 9-11. And it’s time to start shifting our focus to these men and women. It is our duty as parents to divert our children’s attention from the media’s false sense of VIPs. To remind them that educators, social workers, public servants and health care providers are the ones we should idolize, not the athletes, movie stars and reality nothings. To demand better pay for our teachers, better healthcare and job security for our veterans, and better respect and insurance for our elderly. To turn off the television, suggest (and participate in) better games for our children, and deplete the advertising funds of exploitative media organizations.

I partially blame myself for the atrocity that happened on Friday. Sadly, we have become a country of overconsumption. A country where immediate satisfaction eclipses the longer (and often slower) process of getting what we need. A country that pushes medication before taking the time to identify the real problem. A country where kids have their own rooms, little respect for parents and all too often, no sense of global responsibility. No one can even begin to try to figure out “Why” this hateful person did what he did. So all we can do is our own tiny part to create a world which we are proud to pass on.

Our lives been forever changed by the horror in Newtown. And moving forward, it is time to forever change our own priorities.

We cry with you, Newtown. May their memories be a blessing.