When I was in my 20s, a man spoke of taking his life while brandishing a loaded weapon. Another person and I talked him down. He succeeded a few years later.
My son, upset over a girl, took the solitary gun in our home and tried to shoot himself. The gun malfunctioned, and he was unharmed. Years of therapy later, he is better, but I’ll never forget that hopeless feeling.
My husband who had lived just blocks away from Columbine when it happened, had always been against guns, but decided to purchase one because of the nature of his small business.
In January 2017, my son’s best friend took his life with a firearm.
I was done at Sandy Hook. I knew our country had nothing but greed and contempt in their hearts when they gave nothing but thoughts and prayers.
I’m also a former educator. Hiding in a dark room with terrified children is a noble act but heinous policy.