Monday; March 21

Four years ago, our community woke up to a startling reality – no, it hadn’t been a dream (or even a nightmare) – we had been rocked by a school shooting. As a retired police officer, especially as a School Resource Officer, I knew this could happen; but when it came to “my town”, like the rest of the community, I was devastated. It’s been four years since that fateful day, and as I look back on it, there are some lessons I have learned:

1. First, bad stuff can happen in our town. How often have you heard someone describe a horrific event, then qualify it by saying “No one would have ever believed it could have happened here”? I am not saying we should live in fear; rather, we should not be lulled into complacency.

2. Second, when bad things happen, good people show up to help. I will remember the hard times, but the thing that stands out the most are the great people. Strangers brought food, businesses donated supplies, spiritual people prayed and offered support. It is amazing how the worst of time can bring out the best in people.

3. Finally, choices can have lasting consequences. Decisions made on that day have reverberated throughout the years. We must do our best to make good choices because the impact can follow us – and others – throughout our lifetimes.

Think About It!

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