We hope for and expect to teach our children to be safe in the world, be in safe places and make good choices to ensure their ultimate safety, health and happiness. “At the end of the day” we want our children safe.
Tragically, someone who was mentally ill got a hold of his family guns and went on a rampage and killed his mother first, then 26 innocent people at an elementary school on Friday December 14th, and lastly himself. He returned to the scene of the crime, where he formally attended as a small child. Because of a deranged mind holding a gun, he became a killer. The promise of their safety was gone. Instead he created a terrifying living holocaust for these 20 tender and innocent 6-7 year old children, and 6 care giving adults. Like the original Holocaust, this mini-Holocaust at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut became the mass murder scene that took the lives of young, innocent children and courageous adults. It is horrific to think that one mentally ill man who obviously despised his mother and the children who represented more to him, could issue such immediate and lasting devastation. It is to the rational mind and heart, unfathomable to comprehend.
Their families forever changed thinking or believing now that safety does not exist. So sad for the terrified young victims, and everyone involved, including the parents, grandparents, siblings, etc…so much to ponder, so much to deeply feel. It makes any good parent’s stomach turn and heart break. Life is supposed to be long and experienced, a life rich in history and relationships to be shared with the ones you love.
Remember that there are still good people in the world. Be thankful that you and yours are still safe. Love them more. Hold them a little tighter. Ask them to hug you back. Love your parents more too, whether they are near to you or not.
Naturally, post-traumatic stress and how the survivors process this tragedy, will affect their mental attitudes and emotional wounds. The after effects for the kids, the parents and grandparents who lost their kids and grandkids, the parents who didn’t lose their kids, the siblings, and the ripple effect for the community and world…are all affected.
Thankfully, the town of Newtown, other towns and political leaders are talking about facing and changing laws about guns, discussing the need for more acceptance and treatment for those with mental illness. Even though statistically, the chances for getting killed in a mass murder equal the risk of being struck and killed by lightening- living with those odds is an impossible reality to imagine. Live Inspired!® Nina~