Tag: guns

Dear Ravi,

Please forgive my tardiness. You are never far from my thoughts and my heart, but my muse has gone mute with grief in the last week. As you know, there was a shooting at Annunciation School, during mass last week. Sweetie, I was a Cath0lic School educator for over 20 years, starting before you were even born, or your daddy and I had gotten together. I have taught in rich neighborhoods; I have taught in neighborhoods riddled with poverty. As school shootings became more common, I would always tell my students that if they were in any danger, to run to the church, they would be safe there. Again, and again the gun lovers in our country send school shooting victims thoughts and prayers. But Ravi, faith without works are dead. The 2 children who were killed and the 21 who were injured were literally in church, praying, when they were attacked. After Columbine, the gun lovers should have said that enough is enough. Then, I thought that Sandy Hook was be the end point. But school shootings continue, and society has become mostly numb, except for those who have directly suffered unspeakable loss. It is too easy for young people to get their hands on firearms. The background checks are not stringent enough. I am not saying that gun ownership is wrong, I grew up in a household of guns. I respect them and know how to handle them. But the regular person on the street does not need a military grade firearm. Switzerland has more guns per capita than humans but has never had a school shooting. They have firm gun regulations which are country does not. America does not need thoughts and prayers. We need change at a federal level, and we need it now.

The day of the shooting I was supposed to meet a friend for coffee. I heard about the horror at Annunciation, and we pivoted and decided to meet on the church green. Soon after, daddy joined us. An hour later Joy and Elizabeth came out and sat and prayed with us. In our own small way, we were keeping vigil. At church on Sunday Joy announced that after the Tuesday Compline service we would ring the chimes 292 times, for all the souls lost in school shootings in 2025. I had every intention of going, but fate had other plans. I got home from a 9-hour work shift, had a quick bite to eat and headed back to my car. To my surprise, the garage door would not go up and let me out! I was stuck at home. So, I prayed Compline on my own, as I do every evening. I hope that the neighborhood heart the bells and wondered who they were run 292 times. Did they hear, or was it just more background noise to our busy world? I don’t know.

There have been many tears this week, Ravi. I have not felt so raw since the month that you left us. There are 2 new angels in heaven, and I know that you have made them feel welcome. I also know that the only thing in the world that their grieving parents want is to have them safely back in their arms. All bereaved parents desire this. It is the thing that we want most, and this wish will not be granted until we have all passed away. From dust we are made and to dust we shall return.

I miss you more than words can say. So many people have reached out to me at the start of school, sharing favorite memories of you. I see the yellow busses going down the block and remember how much you loved to ride the bus. It is a very bittersweet feeling. I am running a memorial race for you this Sunday, September 7. The race is called Finish the Run, and the logo is to Run with Intention. Ravi, I will always love you and I will always run for you. For me, running is the highest form of prayer. Be safe dear one dear. I see you in the cardinals and the monarch butterflies. Love you to the moon and back, Mom.