A few thoughts on the senseless killing in Aurora Colorado
Posted By RichC on July 21, 2012
As I contemplated the senseless killing early Friday morning at a theatre in Aurora Colorado, I wondered just what I should focus on. I thought maybe the much maligned second amendment right of a citizen to own a firearm or perhaps the possible influence of movies … but neither more restrictive gun control or a switch to G-rated movies is going to stop evil or mentally disturbed people from harming others. There are valid arguments for positions on either side, but little evidence that more restrictive firearm laws or the banning of dark and violent movies will prevent people from carrying out evil deeds.
I also am frustrated with the media who understandably focuses so much coverage and attention on the disturbed person who killed and injured so many innocent people. Why should we give him the notoriety and celebrity fame status that he may be seeking — it serves little purpose in my opinion; in fact, I’m not even going to mention his name and hope that he quickly disappears from history (in more ways than one).
The one victim’s story that I find difficult to forget is that of Jessica Ghawi. She was a promising young intern and sports journalist who posted her thoughts after a previous shooting … in which by fate, she was not in the line of fire. For those who don’t know her previous story, check out her blog regarding the June 2, 2012 mall food court shooting Toronto Canada. What eerily stands out to me were her reflective comments regarding these kinds of “senseless crimes” and life. Her deeper than normal thoughts on the “time we have on Earth” and “every second of every day is a gift” stick with me. Who could have imagined that only a short time later, she would be killed in a second encounter? She concludes her post with an attitude to emulate …
I was shown how fragile life was on Saturday. I saw the terror on bystanders’ faces. I saw the victims of a senseless crime. I saw lives change. I was reminded that we don’t know when or where our time on Earth will end. When or where we will breathe our last breath. For one man, it was in the middle of a busy food court on a Saturday evening.
I say all the time that every moment we have to live our life is a blessing. So often I have found myself taking it for granted. Every hug from a family member. Every laugh we share with friends. Even the times of solitude are all blessings. Every second of every day is a gift. After Saturday evening, I know I truly understand how blessed I am for each second I am given.
I feel like I am overreacting about what I experienced. But I can’t help but be thankful for whatever caused me to make the choices that I made that day. My mind keeps replaying what I saw over in my head. I hope the victims make a full recovery. I wish I could shake this odd feeling from my chest. The feeling that’s reminding me how blessed I am. The same feeling that made me leave the Eaton Center. The feeling that may have potentially saved my life.
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