Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images

By now you probably all have heard about the senseless shooting at a Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, WI.  This was only a few blocks from the Barbara Vey Reader Appreciation Luncheon in April.  Everyone is reeling here.  These kind of things do not happen in my area.  How many times have you said that?

I grew up in a time when kids ran around the neighborhood playing outside until dark when our parents would start yelling for us to come in.  Even then we wanted to stay out in summer because dusk meant you could start playing Red Light, Green Light, I hope to see a ghost tonight!  I know it was a simpler time (at least it is when you’re a kid).

We had our share of scares though.  I was in high school during the race riots and remember running to the neighborhood  store to stock up on food and discover the shelves bare and people grabbing everything not nailed down.  We had to stay in the house and watch the events play out on tv, but even that pales in comparison to what I feel now.  Total terror.

The recent shootings in Colorado scared me enough that when I finally gave in to friends to go to the movie theater to see Dark Knight Rises, I couldn’t enjoy the movie.  Every time I saw someone move I had to look at them.  I was distracted and yes, frightened.  I don’t want to feel that way.  I don’t want to stop taking my grandchildren out in public because I’m afraid some idiot with guns and an incomprehensible agenda will be lying in wait.

I’m glad I’m home for the next month so I can hopefully calm down a little and try to put things in perspective, but how can you when something this horrific happens in your own backyard?  Is it any wonder that I’d rather lock my doors and curl up with only my books for company?

I will try to be more diligent and aware when I finally do go out.  I want to visit my grandchildren, but am now thinking twice about taking a trip at this time.  I love to fly, but loath going to the airport.  I love to be around people, but now I find myself being more wary.

I have no answers, only a lot of questions.  I wish it wouldn’t have happened here, but then I wish it wouldn’t happen anywhere.  My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the Sikh community.

How do you cope with all that is going on?

Bottom Line:  “Nothing good ever comes of violence.” ~ Martin Luther