On December 14, 2012, the world witnessed an unimaginable tragedy when 20 young lives were taken in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Since that day, countless others have fallen victim to gun violence, with 338 mass shootings reported in just the year 2017. After Sandy Hook, many of us hoped that the heartbreaking loss of those innocent first graders would finally spur real change in gun control—a hope that turned out to be tragically misplaced.
As mothers, we’re exhausted. Exhausted from the relentless cycle of hearing about innocent lives being lost in mere moments, only to be met with the same empty thoughts and prayers followed by calls for action that never materialize. Every few months, we find ourselves back at square one, vowing to demand change, only to be met with silence.
I’m weary of being a young mom with two beautiful children who should be enjoying their childhood in “the greatest country on earth.” Instead, I live with an ever-present fear whenever I send them off to school. Every time they board that bus, I grapple with the anxiety that today could be the day an unstable individual enters their school with a weapon.
It’s disheartening to hear my children talk about the active shooter drills that have become all too common in elementary schools across America. They’ve learned that to survive a potential massacre, they must remain silent and hidden in their darkened classrooms until the danger passes. They understand to avoid any weapon and to follow their teacher’s instructions, all in the hope of returning home safely to Mom and Dad.
Is this the reality we accept, America? A nation where even our youngest citizens can’t learn basic subjects without a lesson on how to evade an armed assailant? Those who cling to their guns while espousing Second Amendment rights seem to have forgotten another fundamental right: the right to live. Laws that allow individuals to stockpile firearms—while our children and fellow citizens are senselessly murdered—run counter to that right. What’s remarkable about a society filled with fear and uncertainty? A society where parents cannot guarantee their children will return from school or enjoy a day out without the dread of becoming the next tragic headline.
So go ahead, challenge me. Tell me how politics have no place in discussions about motherhood. Explain why we should ignore the actions of politicians beholden to gun lobbies, ensuring that not just responsible citizens, but also those with malicious intent can easily acquire firearms. Please, justify why we should divert our attention from these issues and focus on mundane topics when the lives of our children hang in the balance.
Because honestly, I’d prefer those lighter conversations over hearing my children recount how they practice filing silently into their classroom bathroom during drills. How they find humor in the smallest child having to stand on the toilet while the teacher crouches by the door, reminding them to be quiet to stay safe. Why is anyone willing to accept this as our new normal? Why do our kids not deserve better? I can’t fathom it. With tears in my eyes and the horror of yet another national tragedy weighing heavily on my heart, I ask, why?
Call me irrational, but a mom shopping for snacks with her kids shouldn’t have to mentally plan escape routes as soon as she enters a store, just in case. She shouldn’t have to endure quiet panic throughout the day while her children are at school. This isn’t the motherhood we envisioned; it’s not the childhood we wanted for them. We never thought we’d be raising our kids in a war zone.
It’s time we prioritize our children’s well-being over our attachment to guns. We’re drained—and who wouldn’t be? If the loss of 20 children gunned down in an elementary school didn’t inspire our nation to care more about kids than firearms, what will it take?
If you’re looking to take action, consider visiting Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America.
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In summary, the fear of gun violence has permeated the lives of parents and children alike, creating a reality where safety and normalcy seem distant. As we navigate this tumultuous landscape, it’s crucial to advocate for change and prioritize the well-being of our children over the politics surrounding gun ownership.
Keyphrase: Fear for Kids’ Safety
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