As always, you have such a remarkable perspective on the world's highs and lows. So glad you and Elyse are safe, and like Dawn, I am grateful for your last paragraph. We are so fortunate that these events, as traumatic as they are, will be, hopefully, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, rather than the daily and even more frequent occurrences that so many in the world face.
I'm amazed at your quick thinking, and so glad you all are safe.
Today I've been butting heads with someone about where to lay the blame for what happened. I am grateful that you are giving a different perspective, one that I think is a lot healthier.
I've taken her questions as they've come. I haven't told her there was a man with a gun shooting people. I've said that there was a guy who was causing trouble in the mall and we found a safe place so that we wouldn't be hurt. She has probed a bit about what kind of trouble. If she comes out and asks a more explicit question, I'll probably answer her more directly. My mom talked with a counselor yesterday who suggested asking her to draw what happened. I'll do that this week. She seems to be doing okay. It was VERY helpful that she was able to immediately start playing with the little boy as soon as we were in the bathroom, so she didn't feel continued panic.
Good work, mamas. That's generally the best plan. Drawing it out is good too - she can express anything she may be unable to verbalize. I know a youngster who has had some anxiety issues arise from a completely different but generally adult issue (loss of a friend's father), so I've followed a bit on how they have managed, and how she is learning to process her fears. Also, how they have discussed shooter situations, since last year's tragedy in CT. Which, again, you've had to deal with. I wish you well.
I'm sorry to learn you were there, but very glad everyone was okay. You have a wonderful attitude about it. I live right across 29 from the mall, can lean over my balcony and see it (when the trees are bare). It was all very surreal.
I read your post recounting it. I'm sure it was weird too being so close and not being inside! I think I saw you at the UU on Sunday. We went to the 11 am service yesterday because we were slow getting going. I'll say hi next time!
It was, particularly since I knew people inside (more than I realized, apparently!). Yes, I'll be at the 11 usually...and for the next 7 weeks definitely, as I'm teaching K-1 OWL during the 9 a.m. service. This week I was ushering so I'd have been easy to spot. =) Please do come up and say hi!
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Today I've been butting heads with someone about where to lay the blame for what happened. I am grateful that you are giving a different perspective, one that I think is a lot healthier.
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