We mark the progress of our lives by marking milestones - birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Less often, we remember and celebrate the moments that make up those milestones.

This is for those moments.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Sandy Hook, Newtown, CT

Woke to the news of the tragic and senseless shootings in Connecticut. My heart is weeping for the victims and their families, for the small community of Newtown, CT, for the survivors and the family of the shooter -- all innocent victims of one person's actions.

Until all the facts are known, it is pointless to speculate. I'm always disgusted by the media who post "Breaking News" headlines, clearly designed to elicit a strong emotional response, only to retract them later when the facts are finally known. The damage has already been done; the rumours and the social media response begins as soon as the words are 'published'. That cannot be so easily retracted, and it only serves to spread fear, anger and hatred in a world that needs more patience, understanding and empathy.

Once again the loud arguments for and against tighter gun controls will rage. I believe in tighter controls; after the Port Arthur Massacre in 1996, new gun laws were introduced in Australia and, though it is hard to say if they have made a difference (as Australia has never had a high incidence of mass shootings), the fact that there has never been a repeat of Port Arthur speaks for itself.

Admittedly, gun controls only work if everyone respects and follows the law. At the end of the day it is up to every individual to make a choice.

Amid the cries for tighter gun controls, we should also remember that there is a need for greater awareness of mental illness, be it depression, schizophrenia, or any of the myriad conditions that exist in our increasingly complex and bewildering society. Addressing those needs, seeing drug addiction as an illness to be treated rather than a crime to be punished, remembering that "there but for the grace of God (or which ever higher power you believe in) go I" -- these are the things that will ultimately make a difference.

Western values have changed dramatically, often driven by the chase for wealth and happiness, as though the two must go together. What a difference there would be if we all took time to expand our world beyond "me and mine", swapped some of our selfishness for selflessness.

Where is our empathy? It gushes out at times such as this, but seems to be sadly lacking in general. We are all in too much of a hurry far too often.

Nothing will bring back the lives lost today, nothing will ever justify the senseless loss. As long as tragedies like this continue to occur there will be wounds that never heal.

Hold your loved ones close today and every day. It can be over in the blink of an eye. My daughter is six, I'm watching her play as I write. She doesn't understand why mummy is so sad. We shouldn't have to explain things like this to our children.


A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope - Tips for Parents and Teachers
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/terror_general.aspx

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