I need a Kevlar vest!

I never thought that school violence would ever affect me or my family. I mean that happens to others, not us. But sadly enough it did reach out and touch my Alaskan family, luckily the children were stopped before they started their horrible plan. I emphasize children. These were 13 year old children, did they really even realize what they were about to embark on? I don't know, I can only hope that somehow for some of them it will be a wake up call for both them and their parents.

The interesting part was to see how the town banded together and even started to make jokes about it. That is how we as humans deal with tragedies, we joke and thank our lucky stars that we were spared. Then we feel guilty, because we are relieved that it didn't happen to us.

Most places are now offering crisis counseling to those effected in the event of a life changing event. I always urge people to take advantage of this counseling, as post traumatic syndrome can affect any and all of us. People might say, but the kids were stopped, nothing happened, I am fine, or don't be silly. But, how many of us were horribly affected by 9/11, even though we may have lived thousands of miles away and knew no one that was directly affected. But, it changed our world and how we looked at it. "Almost" violence can do the same thing, it changes how you look at the world, how you look at people. Don't let it eat at you, talk to someone or at least write it down.

So, will kevlar vests and metal detectors and police security become a normal part of our lives in the future? Will we become so immune to it we won't even notice it any more? Those of you that travel alot, do you even think twice about taking off your shoes and practically stripping at the airport security checkpoint? I don't, yet 6 years ago, I use to be the person that had to run to catch the plane. Now, I know that isn't possible and actually get to the airport 2 hours early! (A side benefit, my stress level is less)

Violence or almost violence will effect all of at some time in our lives, what we do in the aftermath will determine how it will effect our future.

So, those of you with kids, please talk to them, help them set a goal for their future. Use the same tools that I pass on to you. If our children have goals, maybe they will be less likely to follow the wrong person.

I am just happy and relieved my family is ok, and that I am headed up to Alaska for something exciting and happy. Holly, my lovely half sister, is graduating from high school!