That Funny Feeling

TW: Gun violence

I originally had a different post for this week, but I feel like I need to say something about the horrific events of this week.

First of all, if you are struggling and need to reach out for help, go to the resource section of this blog to find links to do so. I know things are hard, but you are loved, seen, and appreciated. I am here for you.

I am twenty-one years old. Growing up in a post-Columbine America, I had my first lockdown drill in Kindergarten. The idea that someone could break into our school to hurt us was planted, and it never went away.

When I was in high school, there were several threats (all but one non-credible) made about my school and the district as a whole. I remember sitting in the cafeteria with my friends, in full view of the main entrance to the building, never taking my eyes off the hallways leading to and from the open area.

Last year there was a shooter at my coworker's old high school. She was devastated. She still knows several people who attend there, not to mention the teachers.

Every time this happens, we go through the same motions.

“Never again”, we say. “Enough is enough.” It sounds great, but nothing ever changes. The same people who scream about the safety of our children are silent about those exact children being in very clear and present danger.

I don't have any answers. I wish I did. I wish I could tell you that everything is fine, it'll be okay. I can't tell you that, though. All I can tell you is that your anger, your sadness, your grief are all warranted. Don't move on too fast. We can't let this be normal anymore.

If you want to get involved with some gun control causes, check out Everytown. I just signed up for their text messages and emails, if you're up for it, I recommend doing so.

Take care of yourselves and the people around you. It's hard out here.

–Abbie