It has been one year since the senseless MSD shooting. My therapy dog Karma and I volunteered to be with some of the kids as they processed their emotions.
After the inspirational songs and a heartfelt tribute to those we lost, the kids were initially instructed to sit in circles by their age group. Then the leader urged the kids to not isolate and to connect with someone regardless of their age.
A young girl is triggered and has a panic attack. Her friends cry with her until the adults come to her aid. One support staffer walked by as if this were a common occurrence.
Then I hear a support person ask if Karma could come and console a young girl who had met Karma earlier that evening. Karma was up for the task and soon she swirled in the center of about 20 kids sharing love, kisses and warmth amidst the pizza, ice cream and the healing of course.
I hear the kids grapple with why God let this happen. One person said free choice. Another said that they didn’t know why this happened but they felt closer to others in the room now. And most everyone agreed that they now look for ways to never let this happen again by reaching out to those that look troubled.
I am with them. No more violence. Not at school, nor at work nor at home. Never again. Not on my watch. Peace. Peace. Peace.
Nina
PS: Will you do your part to make this world a more peaceful place today too? I bet you will. #parklandstrong #neveragain #msdstrong