Death Comes Calling
Yesterday afternoon, as we were returning from taking my sister Ramey's dog Buddy to the vet, we discussed how we don't feel safe any place anymore. Not at home, not at church, not shopping, or walking our dogs, or at the movies, or anyplace.
This morning, I awoke to the news that there had been a shootout virtually in Ramey's own backyard. Her neighbor to the rear, a young man whom she and her daughters have known for many years and who often cut Ramey's grass, apparently ran amok and began shooting up the neighborhood. He shot one neighbor's beloved dog. At first the vet said there was so much damage that the dog would have to be put down. But further testing gave them a better picture, and now, thank God, it looks at if he will recover.
The news is less good for the gun-wielding young man. The police were called, of course. They approached the man and told him to drop his gun. He would not and began shooting at the policemen. Of course, the policemen returned fire. The man was hit in the chest and died on the scene.
When is this country going to learn that guns and mental illness don't mix. Earlier this year, our Congress (well, the Republicans in it) struck down a bill that would have made it illegal for the mentally ill to acquire guns. That makes no sense to me. And don't go spouting that trash about criminals not obeying laws. If that were a reason to not have laws, then we wouldn't have any laws.
The neighborhood where this occurred is an older subdivision of beautiful homes, well kept lawns and gardens, and neighbors who care about each other. It's a small town where my sisters and I have lived for most of our lives. This is not downtown anyplace. It's not a town where gangs roam the streets and crime is a frequent visitor. It used to be a place where we felt safe. There is no such place in America anymore.
I checked on my sister and her daughter who lives with her just as soon as I learned of the tragedy. They and their pets are all physically fine, but emotionally shook up. I expect it will take a while before they can walk out into their yard without wondering if there's a gunman nearby.
Sorry if you think this is political and inappropriate. To me and my family and my community it's personal. Praying for the family, friends, and neighbors of the young man who died.
This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 10/06/2017, Barbara Anne said ...
Oh Susan, How sad and tragic this event is. And how unnecessary. You are so right that those who are mentally ill should NOT be allowed to have guns or a gun. Those who voted to allow this are equally culpable in my opinion.
Prayers for all.
Hugs!
On 10/07/2017, Sue, a Florida Farm Girl said ...
How terrifying that had to be for Ramey. It's not so easy to get over that kind of trauma but I pray that she and her daughter will soon find peace. You don't even want to get me started on the gun issue. I want to shake people sometimes and scream in their face about that stupidity.
On 10/07/2017, Denise Copeland said ...
Susan, this is your blog, your thoughts and your ideas. There is no reason on earth to apologize for expressing something that might be perceived by some as inappropriate. I enjoy reading your blog, and I appreciate when you write from the heart (even if I don't agree). I am so sorry for the recent events that have occurred. I feel similarly, I rarely go to public events, and I exercise extreme caution in everything that I do and the choices that I make. I am sending you sincere, healing thoughts to you and your family.
On 10/07/2017, Dolores Tanner said ...
Read "Before We Were Yours" on your recommendation and it was very good, thanx!!
I totally agree with your comments on the state of the world or out area of it.... and try to find positive things to get my mind on, sometimes that takes a while and some effort...
On 10/08/2017, Sheryl Colle said ...
So sorry for what your sister and daughter are going through. It seems the whole world is full of evil. But all we can do is concentrate on the positive and do what we can to spread God's love and grace. I know that no place is immune, but glad I'm out here in the middle of nowhere, away from the cities.
On 10/09/2017, Dondi Murdock said ...
What a horrible event! It will never be forgotten, but I hope it leads to better legislation. When the quiet majority does nothing, the minority rules. We need more help for mentally ill people also and less denial by their families, neighbors, and communities. I'm not blaming anyone because often symptoms lie so quietly no one knows. What I really mean is we need more treatment facilities for people with mental issues. Depression is a disease just as cancer is a disease. We never put people down who have cancer, but for so long we have treated mental issues as a personal fault. A disease is a disease. It is never an excuse for violence--please do not think I am soft on this issue. I just know from experience how hard it is to open up when a family member gets depression. I will send my prayers to Ramey and her once innocent neighborhood.
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