Although I have long been involved in politics, it is not something I seek or enjoy. Yet, try as I might, it calls me back into its web of disappointment and deceit as politicians threaten the integrity of our beloved constitution and the rights guaranteed therein.

I am not a political writer and I like it that way; I want to keep it that way. But, this week’s events pull me beyond my desire to leave it alone into an instinctual reaction to speak out. I would rather not write on this subject; however, my heart wants to help those who have suffered, and my soul won’t rest until I do.

I live in the Great State of Texas and I am grateful to reside here. Like most people residing in Texas, I tend to be directionally conservative. I believe in self-reliance, individual responsibility, and accountability, and that my safety along with that of my children and grandchildren, first and foremost, is my responsibility. I live among like-minded people because that is where I feel the safest. Additionally, although my husband and I experience the deficits of age, we plan and train to rely upon ourselves should anything dangerous or threatening come our way.

Sadly, the school shooting in Uvalde, TX this past week has clearly broken our hearts. I want to ignore it, but as a grief counselor, American citizen, and grandmother, I know that avoidance is not the answer. I am not related to anyone involved in this tragic event, but I have lost loved ones to murder, and I have suffered, down through the depths of my soul, the loss of a grandchild. The losses suffered this past week in Uvalde, TX are so tragic, that once again, I find myself activated in an issue that should never have happened.

This violent and senseless loss of life is impossible to reconcile for the survivors. For those of us outside of the immediate community of mourners, reconciliation of this nature is likewise fleeting. The irrepressible nature of those seeking political gain from such an event is repulsive and should be suppressed. The interference of incompetent government overreach contributing to this tragedy, must, however, be addressed. Had this interference not existed, 19 children, two teachers, and one husband might very well remain as living souls.

Upon the birth of my first child, I realized that not one living soul would be willing to take a speeding bullet or walk through lava for my children, without personal regard or hesitation, save it be their parents. From that moment on, I became my husband’s partner in their defense. To protect my children from physical harm, emotional manipulation, psychological intimidation, spiritual death, and intellectual propaganda, I removed them from public school. In my opinion, their education and safety were more important than political correctness and propaganda.

Some holding public office, point their fingers away from their failures by beating drums that do not exist. They would have us believe that taking our defense away from us would make us safer. I’ve seen their defense strategies, they never have, and never will work. Had one teacher pulled a sidearm and shot the shooter dead, there might remain 22 living souls who now lie in caskets beneath the earth’s protection. Had the parents been allowed to protect their children, rather than held at bay through inhumane government interference and intimidation, their children might remain with them today. If we, like the generations before us, would take it upon ourselves to protect our own, we would realize that it is our right and our nature to do so.

I taught my girls that their safety was their own responsibility. Now I ask you to realize the same. Do not let this tragedy spread fear. Rather, let it awaken your purity of purpose to be personally accountable for yourself and your family. Stop insanity and evil before it turns your life into a tragedy. Complacency is not noble; honor, bravery, loyalty, truth, integrity, and conviction are.

Grief is the most painful of human emotions. Let us comfort those who mourn the loss of their beloved children, and let us recognize senseless political confines masquerading as protective policies. Exercise your power to protect your families from inhumane predatory theories that reduce your right to protect yourself and your family from criminals, predators, and oppressive government. Repress political focus that promotes evil over people.

“The strength of a nation lies in the homes of its people.” (Abe Lincoln) Do not let the cowardly sin of silence usher in the cancer of defeat. Stand against evil or battle never-ending grief.

The loss of a child is the most difficult grief to survive. When senseless brutality is involved, recovery becomes complicated and can remain a lifelong battle for parents. Lifelong grief will wreak havoc on one’s mental, psychological, and physical health. It may also lead to early death for the survivor.

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LOSS OF CHILD II

Most parental survivors describe the loss of a child as the most intense pain they have ever experienced.

Although the parent ages, the deceased child remains a child forever.

In the circle of life, a dependent child matures and becomes independent.

A parent’s role graduates from provider and protector to a secondary supportive role.

At the loss of a child, the parent never experiences the regular graduation of roles; they remain the parents of a young child forever.

They may also experience guilt over failing to provide adequate protection for their child against whatever caused the death.

Although parents learn to function in life again, their pain may never be overcome.

Even the birth of a new child reminds them of the excruciating pain of not having their lost child by their side. (Mourning Lights, 2022)

Losing a child is so devastating that I suggest immediate counseling to all parental and sibling survivors, especially when foul play is involved.

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LOSS OF CHILD IV

When a child dies, the dreams and hopes of the parents die also.

This particular type of loss, the loss of a child, is considered to be the most excruciating loss of all, especially when foul play is involved.

It is commonly recommended that parents and siblings seek out counseling immediately.

Such an action should not be seen as a weakness.

Grieving a child is a lifelong heartache. (Mourning Lights, 2022)

Politics should never enter into the experience of death, especially when it involves a child. Parents should be allowed as much comfort as humanly possible upon the loss of their children. Unfortunately, with this tragedy, politicians with their politics were waiting in the wings and before the facts were even known, they, and the media, jumped in to stake a claim and further their agenda.

My heart goes out to all of the families of Uvalde, TX. Terrorism has invaded their borders and every parent who has a child, as well as every child attending that school is frightened and traumatized. Life will never be the same for any of them and fear will accompany their steps as they reenter school and travel through life. I don’t know what the school will do, they must provide safety and security, but how do you overcome this tragedy?

My heart bleeds for the parents who have lost their children, the families of the lost teachers, and for the husband who died from the stress and heartache inflicted upon him at the loss of his beloved wife. I ache internally for the children who survived this terror. How will it affect their lives and their freedom? And parents who must drop their children off at school there must be filled with rage and fear beyond comprehension.

I understand that my political views may not be your political views, nor the views of the surviving families. I also understand that confusion and emotions run high when terror claims the lives of innocence. I do not wish to offend anyone, however, we must put a stop to the erosion of safety and liberty within our society. And, we must, as human beings, offer support, understanding, and love to those who have suffered this horrific tragedy.

My heart goes out to you, the survivors of Uvalde, TX, and I pray that you will be able to one day find a path that allows the pain of this unfair and unfathomable tragedy to release your heart from the suffocation it has inflicted. As a survivor of tragic loss, I know that some of you have probably wished death upon yourselves. I hope that this shall not be your fate. I hope that you know there remain others who love and need you, and who want to be able to reach out to help you through this loss. Some may not know what to say and therefore avoid speaking in an effort to spare you additional pain. Feel and accept their love and prayers for your healing, and know too, that the nation yearns for your recovery.