mental health care

Same Old Sad Story

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December 14, 2012, twenty first graders, the school principal, and five other adults were massacred at Sandy Hook Elementary School. On that date, I was president of the school board at a large suburban school district, and I was devastated. I knew I couldn’t bear such a tragedy if it were to happen in one of our schools. On May 24, 2022 nineteen children and two adults were massacred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Armed with an AR-15 rifle, the murderer rendered his victims unidentifiable. One little girl was only identifiable by her new green tennis shoes. Now as many of you know, this is not my first blog about green tennis shoes and why my nail tech has painted my nails green for the last 3+ years.

On Wednesday, October 14, my dentist had just completed my crown preparation, and I walked to the reception desk to pay my bill.

“Oh, Sue, I love the color of your nails.”

“Thank you, but you wouldn’t if I told you why.”

All three office folk looked at me and said in unison, “Why?”

I told my Ulvade story, and added, “My nails will remain green, until we put an end to killing children in schools!”

Their eyes teared up. They nodded in agreement. And one said, “Thank you for sharing. I agree. My children weren’t afraid to go to school. My children didn’t have to practice shooter drills. We need some form of gun control and more mental health services.”

“Hopefully, the next time you see me, I can change my nail color. Sorry, if my story ruined your day.”

Then, Thursday, October 15 in Bend, Oregon at Silver Rail Elementary School, three children and one teacher murdered.

And so, my nail polish remains green. Amen.

February 14th

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On Wednesday morning I awoke before the alarm and laid in bed surfing my memories. I was in Miss Snell’s, second grade class.  Since I was not very good with scissors, my shoebox valentine box looked shabby.  I don’t recall whether it was a class rule, but every kid got a card from each member of our class.

Now, this required labor.  We had to punch out a card, write our name on the back, stuff it in a miniature envelope and address it.  Of course, there were only five choices of valentines, meaning at least 4 or 5 students would receive an identical card from me.  I agonized about the one for Meice–the love of my life.  I chose a bear holding a heart–it’s message: Be my valentine.  I underlined “BE.”

When the time came to open our valentines, the boys were busily eating homeroom mom cupcakes, and we girls were searching for the one card from our love.  I read and reread the nondescript message from Meice.  I cherished it.

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At 11:00 AM Wednesday, I went to my hair dresser appointment and in our conversation shared my memory.  Her response: “My husband doesn’t like Valentine’s Day.”

Wow!  Who doesn’t?  “What is up with that, Addie?”

“Chip went to a small, rural elementary school in Iowa.  Chip was short, with a slight build.  When he opened his shoebox, he’d have one or two cards.  Others would have many.”

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Hmm. Hard to believe.  Today Chip is a beefcake, highly successful entrepreneur.  However, even at 50 years old, he is a broken little boy, due to the unconscious cruelty of other children.  Had I known this story I would have sent Chip a box of chocolates!

Unfortunately, my Valentine’s Day got worse:  Parkland, Florida.  Seventeen children and faculty assassinated by a sick 19-year-old with an AK-15.  My pleasant memories of February 14th have been shattered forever.

When is enough, enough?

Twenty-six Candles: December 14th

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US-SCHOOL-SHOOTING

Reprise:  I wrote this blog two years ago, and nothing has changed.  Massacres continue.  Congress okays folks’ right to carry concealed weapons.  As I complete my 17-year-tenure on the school board, every night I pray a Columbine, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, or a Las Vegas slaughter, doesn’t occur in my district.

I’m weary of the Second Amendment argument.  Really?  Obviously, many have no understanding of US History.  A single musket, fire and re-load, as compared to a semi-assault rifle with a bump stock?  No comparison.  Reread a part of my blog and weep for all of the innocents lost since 2012.

“Like many of you, I’m sure you’ve almost or already completed your holiday shopping.  Thanks to the convenience of online shopping in jammies, the wish list of children and grandchildren has been answered.  The presents are wrapped in whimsical paper and sparkling bows for tomorrow’s mail.  December 14th.

Tomorrow evil strikes! Twenty children and six, valiant school employees will never see a new bicycle, and iPad, nor the must-have, limited-quantity, hottest gift of 2012.  The gift you stood in line to buy at 6:00AM on Black Friday or assembled for three hours.”

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Imagine the anguish of families who planned funerals amidst the holiday gifts they’d never see their children open.  Every time I think about the horror of Sandy Hook Elementary School I gag.

As I said in my original blog, President Reagan changed his stance on gun control after his attempted assassination and the serious wounding of Jim Brady, i.e. the Brady Bill.   We must advance conversation and legislation about access to assault weapons, bump stocks, and rigorous background checks, prior to gun purchase. We must address mental health care in our country.

Yes, I know.  Nothing is going to change.  The fire of hate is fanned by those in DC and the nut case who says Sandy Hook didn’t happen.  I get it; I’ve but one vote.  Yet on December 14th, I will light 26 candles.  Will you?

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