.Just as I was finishing my blog last night, I received a text from my daughter Katy, a federal agent, about the shootings at MSU. This was well before the story had broken in the media. My emotions kicked into high gear as Katy, Leah and I were texting back and forth. I also texted my sister Nancy, and my friends George and Mick who love their Spartans.
As the story broke in the media, I became consumed by the story. I was checking every media site and watching it on TV. It was the lead story on the local news station in Mobile, Alabama. The expression on the face of Chris Rozman, MSU’s Interim Chief of Public Safety, told the whole story of the pain and bewilderment of this senseless act. I finally went to bed at around 11:15 CST after receiving a text from Katy indicating that the suspect had taken his own life. It was hard to fall asleep because my stomach was in knots.
At 4:30 AM, I woke up with flashbacks of March 7, 1975, when my mother-in-law Florence was murdered along with Cathy (15), Carlos (13) and David (22) in a mass shooting jewelry store robbery in River Rouge. I was reliving that day in my flashback.
The phone call about the shooting.
The call to Outer Drive Hospital ER and hearing Leah’s aunt Toots saying she is dead. Leah, who was listening on the other phone, collapsed onto the bedroom floor.
The ride from Ypsilanti to the hospital in Lincoln Park was a fog for us.. Leah and I were in a fog.
Leah’s dad, Leonard, was ill and was hospitalized elsewhere. He had to be notified and discharged.
Arriving at 45 Maple St. with Leah and the rest of the family.
Next door at 43 Maple, Cathy’s home, they were praying for a miracle as Cathy was still alive.
I was bouncing between the two houses as Cathy’s brother and sister, Jerry and Rosemary, were close friends of mine.
As night came, Leah’s dad sent everyone home to be with their families, but he asked Leah and I to stay with him and Leah’s sister Peachy for the night.
I sat up most the night with Leonard just talking and being there. I was very anxious because I had been asked as a family member to go to the hospital in the morning to officially identify Florence’s body. Fortunately, one of the detectives was able to do it and I was spared.
The next day was a fog, but I remember walking to my parent’s house one block over for an escape.
The next evening, we got word that Cathy had died. I immediately went next door and grabbed Jerry and brought him back to Leah’s house. From that point on, we commenced to get “wasted” in our alcohol as we all shared stories.
Two households sitting side by side on Maple St. having their lives changed forever.
The above was the flashback that work me up this morning. Forty-eight years later and it never goes away.
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Yesterday nine families were changed forever. They will move on. Life will happen and the pain will subside. Unfortunately, the terror of yesterday will raise its ugly head every time there is a mass shooting that triggers their emotions.
Mass shootings have become a way of life in this country. Since 1975 when my life was changed forever, over 1.6 million Americans have died by gunshot.
When the next mass shooting occurs, think about the number of families that will forever be changed. Think about the number of lives surrounding these 1.6 million victims that have been changed forever. Think about how many more lives will be affected in the next week, month, and years as we continue along this path that is unique to the U.S.
The genie is out of the bottle, and I have given up hope of a comprehensive solution. I just hope and pray that my friends and family are spared the life changing event that over 1.6 million families have faced since 1975.
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Quote of the Day: From my best friend George, an MSU graduate. “Like most of you, I’m sure, I am absolutely stunned and deeply saddened over the senseless killings and shootings at Michigan State University last night. Though these kinds of murderous shootings have happened before in our elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and on college campuses throughout our country, I still have trouble grasping how anyone, anywhere could choose to indiscriminately murder completely defenseless, unarmed, innocent kids, students and others of any age. There are no rational explanations. And I can only begin to imagine the heartbreak, horror and soul-wrenching disbelief the families of those so senselessly slain and wounded must be experiencing at this time. Our hearts are saddened and grieving with and for them.”
Second Quote of the Day: From my wife Leah.
Juxtaposition
This morning I walked the beach on the Gulf of Mexico.
This morning I sat on the patio with the sun on my face.
I am warm and happy and content.
My family and friends are healthy and safe.
This morning I remember that 48 years ago my mother
Was murdered. Execution style in a jewelry store robbery.
They didn’t call it mass murder then. Even though four people were killed.
She was dead, just dead.
So, this morning, I don’t have to imagine what the families of the victims of Michigan State shooting are feeling.
I know they have broken hearts that will never heal.
I know and feel their shock and pain that will ebb and flow
But never go away.
I pray for them.
Orchid of the Day: All the law enforcement agencies who responded so quickly and to especially the MSU Public Safety who saved lives by issuing the threat alert in a timely manner.
Video of the Day; The MSU Fight Song.
I think of our friend a police officer from Milan who was shot and killed walking into work. Also a co-worker who lost 2 sons to senseless murders. 😥
Wanda,
See my blog for 2/15. I am convinced “sheltering in place” is going to be a way of life. Not just at schools but everywhere. More than ever we need to be aware of our surroundings and be prepared.
To the parents of all MSU students but esp to the parents of students at MSU who have survived last night’s attack both an attack at Oxford and even Sandy Hook.
Nancy,
See my quote of the day in my Feb 15 post. It says it all from a student at MSU and Oxford.
Biggs