A plea for gun safety reform, and attention to the state of mental health treatment in this country.

I find myself staring longer out the window, as I observe my beautiful boys at the bus stop. I gave them each a few extra hugs this morning. I have a gut resistance to sending them. I am fearful, but in uncertain times, in an uncertain world I’m not sure whether my instincts are true or merely a mother’s instinct in an uncertain and dangerous world. I can’t shake the thought of the families who have lost children in mass shooting events. They weigh heavily on my mind today, bringing me to tears. I am heart broken for their loss, and terrified that the same fate could easily await my own children. As I hugged my son extra tight this morning, I coached him a bit. I said, “do you feel confident that you would know what to do in an emergency situation at school?” He shrugged a yes. I asked him to, “take note today, try not to focus too much on it, but just take note of where the rooms with the heaviest locked doors are, and think about how you might keep yourself safe in an emergency.” He nodded in agreement, and promised to, “think about it, but not focus on it.” I sob silently watching them board the bus, praying that they come back safely to my arms.