I say yes, you say no, OR People are Strange

Gee, I lived in the U.S. for over 25 years and never had a gun pulled on me - back here in Burlington two years ago November I had a gun pulled on me at the convenience store in my building - go figure!!!

Interesting but known.

Pip, I am SO sorry to hear that.  Please accept my condolences.

When bad things -- accidents, random shootings and so on -- happen, we think of all the "ifs", as in "If he hadn't been driving on the road" or "If my child had stayed home from school that day".  Life IS a series of "ifs" and they are largely out of our control.   Who knows that better than us BC patients, I wonder.

All we can do, really, is to try to make the outcomes better when those "ifs" are about to happen.  Hence we have car seatbelts, speed limits etc. But the NRA-types don't seem to want any safety precautions when it comes to gun access.  And the weaselly congress hasn't the guts or the integrity to legislate for the majority, rather than just the loudest and wealthiest of their corporate constituents.

Oh, PiP, I am so sorry.  What a terrible, terrible thing to have happen!  Sending you love and hugs and peace.

Guns.  As the wife of a career law-enforcement officer, I have seen plenty.  Have never (knock on pressed sawdust and glue product) been the victim of a gun crime.  Virginia is an open-carry state, so I have had the opportunity to see plenty of people who look like they shouldn't even think about a gun, let alone carry one in public.  If we see one, we leave immediately.  Too many crazies out there who confuse their penises with their guns.

Dear Pip,

I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Pip - how terrible, and all that it brings to the surface for you, what pain.  Hope you are able to find some comfort during these very, very difficult days to come. I don't think it's possible to even imagine, unless, like so many of us, we've been the ones to get that phone call.  Life stops.  At least it did when I got one, and remember being so surprised, honestly, that life seemed to be going on for everyone around me. It was 47 years ago, and I can still feel what it felt like when I answered the phone.  My oldest friend's daughter died suddenly last January, unexpected, at about the same age as your nephew, when my friend called me, I remember hearing the words, and still not being able to believe it could be really happening.

Sometimes I wonder where we find the strength to experience this.  Pip, joining all in sending you love and prayers.

Libby ... thanks for the information!  I didn't really want to pack heat down here ... just kidding!  Although I did carry my guns with me when I lived in Utah.  I lived so far off the beaten path, I felt better with a little protection.

Tim absolutely will NOT carry any sort of weapon in his truck.  He is fanatical about following the rules for truck drivers.  Geez ... he wouldn't even take the pain meds prescribed for him just in case he had a random drug check.

Thinking of PiP's nephew and Sunnyflower's friend ... there is just no way to ever be prepared for that phone call.  I remember when the call came to me about my dad ... it took me about 10 seconds to catch on ... and we knew his time was short.

hugs,

Bren

Thank you everyone.  

My use of that word was a bit tongue in cheek.

Pip - that is such sad news - so sorry for your loss.

Pip, I too just got here to read your news.  I'm so sorry.......and do think this happy, rather cheerful time of year is especially hard when it must be used as well to mourn the loss of a loved one.  Much sympathy and prayers for all who are a part of this situation. 

Jackie

Pip, my condolences.  It is always hard to lose family, but especially such a young person.

Again, thank you everyone.  

PIP - I am so sorry for your loss.  What a terrible tragedy, especially at this time of year.

http://www.facebook.com/l/EAQGejnJfAQEnfcuU-wJfNZJ7daSwgSF2yt2I9sEeusaTSw/quietmike.org/2013/12/19/fox-news-viewers-know-santa-white/  Had to put this in......the last three which are numbered 3,2,1, are side-splitting.

Jackie