I know what you mean, Barbara- the instinct to do something is very strong. Meanwhile I still have to teach a kindergarten class and pretend that everything is happy and fine, and then work in small groups of 4th graders on a project meant to protect, beautify, and map a lovely small park in our school neighborhood. But rather than feel despair for the futility of such things, I feel hope that we can strive to go on for the sake of the children.

Really, that's my mantra for anything I need to think about:
For the sake of the children...
For the sake of the children...
For the sake of the children...
For the sake of the children...