I just ran across a breaking news story regarding a shooting taken place at San Bernardino Elementary school. My heart sinks to the ground. Even without knowing a single detail, the title is horrific enough.
I will spare any possible readers my regurgitating soapbox routine of gun control. All my mind could fathom right now is rewinding back to that winter morning when I learned of Sandy Hook Elementary and those unfortunate, tragic events. That morning still lives fresh in my head. Listening to music, cutting hair at my family’s hair salon in Naugatuck, CT when all of sudden the radio DJ interrupts the song and breaks that shocking news.
I’ve often wondered how the rest of the country was affected by that story. Being from and living in Connecticut, I could tell you it’s grasp was tight and unforgiving. From the moment that radio DJ came on and started speaking, we all were experiencing these details together. One, more horrific then the previous. Picture someone telling you the worst news you ever heard, then topping it with each new revelation. The victim count 7, 8,9, 14, 15, 23, 25. Then when you realized these were all innocent little children. Agonizing.
I’ll never forget my client’s reaction as the news broke. She starting sobbing. After gathering herself a little bit, she looked at me through the mirror and said politely: “I’m so sorry, its just too much to take in.” I completely understood. Emotions poured out of everyone that morning. Willingly or not.
This current day tragedy (San Bernardino Elementary) may not even be anything like Sandy Hook. I am writing this before the details are being released. But the headline alone shocked and disturbed me like a lost, bad dream I thought I came to terms with.
A good lesson that the past can never be forgotten, just a good teacher. If we are open to learn.
*ddileo 