a tragedy

By now I think most people in America, and perhaps in the world, has heard about the tragedy that happened in CO a few days ago.  It was a horrible, senseless thing that happened.
 
I have many thoughts that go through my mind....I wonder if others do too?  I completely will admit that I do not pay much attention to gun control and issues about it.  I know what I believe and that's enough for me.  But I have to wonder if there could be 'something' in place that could have alerted someone about all of the things that this kid was buying up.  I know that there are lots of people that cry about freedom of rights....but for example if I'm going on an airplane and it's something that just might save me from a 9/11-type incident the go ahead....scan me away, search me all you want, look at my luggage and carry-on.  I give my 'freedom' for my safety.  For me, this is the same things.

I'm also very very sorry for this guy's dad/parents.  Can you imagine being in his/their position?  I know that i don't know much about him or them but really.....his/child just committed a horrible act against nature and I have such compassion for him/them. I say him because he is the one I saw on the news.  I'm not sure if there is a mom in the picture or not.  He will never be the same....and unless I see/hear differently nothing was his fault.  He's a victim.....and people will judge him harshly and they will always treat him differently, badly.

My heart just aches and hurts for all of these stories I keep seeing on the tv.  Kudos to all of those that did such heroic measures to save others....and of course, prayers to the family and friends of each and every victim.  What an incredible nightmare they must be going through right now.

I watched the news tonight that showed this 'guy' in his first court appearance today and how horribly scary he looked.  Was it staged or for real?  I'm sure the opinions of people will run the line of answering that.  After seeing that 'normal' picture of him all over the news, seeing this whacked out, nutty picture really threw me.

Now for the movies....it really made me think about whether I could or even want to go into a theater again.  I think that the chance of this happening again is slim but still....would I worry, be scared, be able to enjoy the movie?  I'm just not sure.  I was heartened to hear that so many didn't let this keep them from going this week.....sort of in a measure of showing support and that the hatefulness didn't win.  I'm really not sure that I would be strong enough to do it.

So many awesome stories coming out of this tragedy....stories of survival, stories of kids trying to save other kids, stories of proposals coming in the ER after this and on and on.  Amazing....and makes me cry all the time.

One HUGE thing on my mind since this happened is how we live our lives.  Think about it.....what if you were in that theater?  How would it change you?  Or what if someone you know was in there....and perhaps didn't survive?  Life is to short.  We simply must not end up in a situation like this where we have regrets....where we loved something and didn't tell them.  You just don't know what that might do for something if you tell them you love them.  Learn from this and let it change you....for the better.  Reach out to someone and tell them that you love them.  Maybe there is something that you haven't talked to in a long time or maybe there is someone that you've lost touch with or you've had a falling out with......two words: FIX IT.  No matter the cost.  Know deep inside you that it's worth it  People are worth it.  You don't want to leave this life without putting things right with everyone that you possibly can.  Perhaps you can't fix things with someone, but you can a least try.....and then know in your hear that you did all you could.  And for those situations you did fix....what an amazing, awesome thing.  God will rejoice.

Don't let this tragedy end with just horrible, bad things.....but rather, even though you weren't there or a friend wasn't there, turn this into something wonderful and positive.....I promise you won't regret it.

Friends, I love you.