I’m not a mom, but I hope to be someday.
I’m not a mom, but I am an aunt.
I’m not a mom, but I’ve taken care of countless children.
But you don’t have to be a parent or an aunt. You don’t have to have babysat or worked for a daycare center.
But you can’t say children aren’t precious. You can’t say children don’t deserve to be protected.
I was 20 years old when the Sandy Hook school shooting happened. My heart broke for the families, for the young lives lost. Now, a decade later, a decade older, with so many children that have my heart in their back pockets, I am more aware of the world around me and where I stand on political issues. And I’m not just heartbroken.
I’m angry.
As so many of you reading this are.
As so many who aren’t reading this are.
I have been on the verge of tears since I heard about the shooting that took place at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday. I’ve read the names of the students and teachers who were victims. I saw their pictures.
I’ve read news articles and social media post after social media post on gun violence in America, and on the gun policies of other countries. I watched Senator Chris Murphy as he addressed the Senate, begging the question, “What are we doing?”
And as I sat on my couch, watching, listening, I wondered the same.
What are we doing?
Then, “What can I do?”
What can any of us do?
For starters, I called Senator Booker and Senator Menendez to address my concern. I left messages on their machine urging them both to vote in favor of The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021, H.R. 8, and The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021, H.R. 1446. I’ve signed petitions. I’ve donated.
I’m going to keep finding ways to fight. To help make my voice, and the voices of others heard.
Because if we’re watching children die, and not at the very least trying to make a difference to stop it, what are we doing?
This is not the first newsletter I expected to write. My hope is to bring something uplifting to your inbox as often as I am able. But this has been weighing on my heart all week, as I am sure it has for you, too.
You are not alone. We are not alone.
And we can make a difference.
I truly believe that.
Well wishes to you all.
So well put! My heart has been aching since I saw the news. I admire you for doing what you can to make a change. Thank you for inspiring me!
Doing something is a start and I am inspired by the steps you shared to begin to make a change.