Never Forgotten

Thirteen years ago fifteen people lost their lives in a shooting at Columbine High School.  Two of those people also perpertrated the horror experienced by those at the school. 

I was at work when I heard that there was a school shooting.  I felt revoltion and sadness; then I asked where.  The response, Columbine High School, floored me.  I literally had to sit down for a moment and then ran to the television.  It was true.  My brother-in-law and my sister were both attending that school.  Were they okay?  I frantically started trying to reach my mother and mother-in-law.  The phone lines were overloaded.  I finally was able to get ahold of my mother-in-law.  My brother-in-law had gotten out of the school and was safe.  I got ahold of my mom and she hadn't even heard about the shooting yet.  It was hours before we heard anything about my sister.  Her class was the last to be evacuated.  Throughout my mom was sure that my sister was okay.  Due to our faith, she just knew.  She felt a confirmation that my sister would make it out alive.

My brother-in-law had been in the library and was able to get out after the first time the killers came through the library.  He did what he could to help those who were hurt outside the school.  We knew he was okay because a family member had seen him on a news broadcast. 

My sister was in the classroom where Dave Sanders was bleeding to death.  They did what they could to help him and then they waited.  I'm still unclear as to why they were the last class evacuated from the building.  The authorities knew there was an injured man in the room.  I'm sure they had their reasons, but like many others I wish things had gone differently in so many ways that day.  I know more of what happened that day, but it is not my story to tell. 

The aftermath of the shooting has been wide and varied.  Many of those who were there that day still have issues sleeping.  Many still have issues with loud, sudden noises (ie: fireworks, cars backfiring).  They have overcome that day though.  They have been able to move forward in their lives, they have been able to help others. 

Another thing that happened in the aftermath was a raised awareness of bullying.  Bullying has been around forever, but was never really in the spotlight.  Bullying does not absolve what happened that day.  Those actions and choices belong to the boys who chose them.  However, it is important to be aware of what is going on around us.  To be aware of bullying, to be aware of those who may want to hurt others or themselves.  We need to stand up and help those around us.  Sometimes that help may come by letting others know what is going on and have some feel like we betrayed them.  It is more important to get help.

For today, I mourn in remembrances of lives cut short.