warning: this story is not a happy one.
The place is a zoo, people are everywhere. And of course, out of all the people there, over the balcony, you see Santa. A little kid, excited to get his picture taken, and to tell the jolly man what he wants for Christmas. Standing in line is a pain, kids crying and parents getting frustrated. But finally you're close enough to see him, smiling and giggling as the baby on his knee fusses. Your turn is next. The lady dressed up as an elf grabs your hand and leads you to Santa. You hop on his lap. He chuckles a little as he asks you what you want for Christmas. You think really hard, and then mention the really cool video game. The elf lady asks you to look at the stuffed reindeer on the camera and smile. "At the count of three say 'Merry Christmas'. One... Two... Three..." Pop.
It was a sound heard numerous times throughout the halls. A gunshot that rang throughout the Westroads Mall here in Omaha, NE. So many times I've been there. I used to live less than five minutes away, and it was where everyone went, until Oakview Mall was built. It's impossible to say exactly how I feel. It's a deep feeling, and unbelievable. I've heard many people say on the news and in the streets, "Here? But this is Omaha. Why here?" I've always been one to believe that anything can happen, anywhere. But still, I found myself asking the same question. Whether I lived in Detroit, or Denver, or somewhere in Alaska, I would still ask that same question. It has nothing to do with what city we live in, it can happen anywhere. It's also not a matter of if it will happen, but when it will happen.
I'm thankful to say that I knew none of the families that were involved, nor did I know anyone that was at the mall at all that day. A scary side, is that I had planned to go shopping there with Kirstie, later that night, and again this weekend. Also, if the shooter had waited even just one more hour, the schools would've been out. Which means, that teenagers as well as young children would have been there. The mall would've been heavier packed, and a more dangerous scene. We're very lucky that it wasn't the case.
A lot of people are also questioning the Police's response to the call. 6 minutes was the time length between the first call and the first arrival. People seem to believe that it just wasn't fast enough. I say no, their response was amazing. It didn't matter whether they got their just 2 minutes after the shots were fired, everything happened within seconds. A total of 2 and half minutes was how long the guy was in the mall. He walked into the mall from the JC Penney's entrance, and walked straight up towards Von Maur's top floor, and then opened fire. A total of nine people were killed, including the shooter himself, after he took his own life. Five others are injured, some still in critical condition.
It took me till late in the afternoon to realize that the entire country was watching Omaha. I knew it was huge, and I knew it was something unexpected. But I didn't realize that it was a Mass Shooting, and that it was something as large as the Virginia Tech shooting. As soon as I realized that, I went out of reality. I was at work, a local fast food restaurant, Runza. We had just received a call from Runza National, if we had any calls asking about the shooter, we knew nothing and there was no comment. The shooter, only 20 years old, used to work at a Runza in Bellevue, NE. It didn't scare me, in fact, I thought it was pointless for us to be worried about anything. My reason for leaving reality for a moment was the fact of life. It's too short.
In the past couple of weeks I've had a lot on my mind. I'm trying to plan for my future, whether it be school, or I join the Police force. I've also found someone that I truly love. I may be young, but I know that he's someone who has changed my view on life, and has become my best friend. I also almost lost my best friend and her boyfriend the night before Thanksgiving. And I've also been worried about my health. There have been issues and problems that I've had, that only have me worried. The shooting didn't effect me at first, but when it did, it effected me in a way that made me realize that life is short. It can end at any time, whether it be a shooting, a car accident, or bad health. I take life for granted at times, and I have to learn to live more freely and do things that I or others will always remember. I've always been a person to make a mark and stand out. If it means making 200 people in a hallway laugh their ass off, because they've never seen a giant pacman run through the halls before, then so be it. I love to laugh, as well as make others laugh, smile, or just have a good time. And now I only want to do it more.
Today, I heard on the radio, a lady said that if someone is depressed and thinking about killing themselves as well as others, it's hard to tell. Society today is too soft on people. "...We get away too easily with being brats," is exactly what she said. If we make a point to have respect towards people it can be different. It's not a miracle we need, but we at least need a start. She said, as well as I have thought about it. All it takes is a smile. Sounds cheesey, but it helps. What if you see a man walking down the street, you walk by him, and as you do, you smile. And of course, he smiles back, surprised. It made him feel good. So now when he walks into some store, and puts a gun to the place, he might think back to that moment. I doubt it, but you never know! Just think though, if you're at that Wal-Mart, and he sees you again, at least he'll smile at you! Hey, it might save your life, lol.
My point is... if we learn to be nice and have respect, the people that feel like failures and hate themselves, won't feel so bad. It's not that you have to baby every single person, and say, "Poor Johnny! He's depressed!" No. Smile at them, tell them what they can do to better themselves or their attitude. Offer encouragement for a good personality, not sympathy. It only makes them feel worse. Think back to when you felt like shit, we've all been there. Would you rather have someone say, "I'm so sorry your life sucks."? Or would you rather hear, "Let me take you out for a night on the town." Or, "If you did this... maybe this would get better." I don't know what suicide is like, or how the thoughts plan out. But I know what depression feels like.
Friends are key.
The place is a zoo, people are everywhere. And of course, out of all the people there, over the balcony, you see Santa. A little kid, excited to get his picture taken, and to tell the jolly man what he wants for Christmas. Standing in line is a pain, kids crying and parents getting frustrated. But finally you're close enough to see him, smiling and giggling as the baby on his knee fusses. Your turn is next. The lady dressed up as an elf grabs your hand and leads you to Santa. You hop on his lap. He chuckles a little as he asks you what you want for Christmas. You think really hard, and then mention the really cool video game. The elf lady asks you to look at the stuffed reindeer on the camera and smile. "At the count of three say 'Merry Christmas'. One... Two... Three..." Pop.
It was a sound heard numerous times throughout the halls. A gunshot that rang throughout the Westroads Mall here in Omaha, NE. So many times I've been there. I used to live less than five minutes away, and it was where everyone went, until Oakview Mall was built. It's impossible to say exactly how I feel. It's a deep feeling, and unbelievable. I've heard many people say on the news and in the streets, "Here? But this is Omaha. Why here?" I've always been one to believe that anything can happen, anywhere. But still, I found myself asking the same question. Whether I lived in Detroit, or Denver, or somewhere in Alaska, I would still ask that same question. It has nothing to do with what city we live in, it can happen anywhere. It's also not a matter of if it will happen, but when it will happen.
I'm thankful to say that I knew none of the families that were involved, nor did I know anyone that was at the mall at all that day. A scary side, is that I had planned to go shopping there with Kirstie, later that night, and again this weekend. Also, if the shooter had waited even just one more hour, the schools would've been out. Which means, that teenagers as well as young children would have been there. The mall would've been heavier packed, and a more dangerous scene. We're very lucky that it wasn't the case.
A lot of people are also questioning the Police's response to the call. 6 minutes was the time length between the first call and the first arrival. People seem to believe that it just wasn't fast enough. I say no, their response was amazing. It didn't matter whether they got their just 2 minutes after the shots were fired, everything happened within seconds. A total of 2 and half minutes was how long the guy was in the mall. He walked into the mall from the JC Penney's entrance, and walked straight up towards Von Maur's top floor, and then opened fire. A total of nine people were killed, including the shooter himself, after he took his own life. Five others are injured, some still in critical condition.
It took me till late in the afternoon to realize that the entire country was watching Omaha. I knew it was huge, and I knew it was something unexpected. But I didn't realize that it was a Mass Shooting, and that it was something as large as the Virginia Tech shooting. As soon as I realized that, I went out of reality. I was at work, a local fast food restaurant, Runza. We had just received a call from Runza National, if we had any calls asking about the shooter, we knew nothing and there was no comment. The shooter, only 20 years old, used to work at a Runza in Bellevue, NE. It didn't scare me, in fact, I thought it was pointless for us to be worried about anything. My reason for leaving reality for a moment was the fact of life. It's too short.
In the past couple of weeks I've had a lot on my mind. I'm trying to plan for my future, whether it be school, or I join the Police force. I've also found someone that I truly love. I may be young, but I know that he's someone who has changed my view on life, and has become my best friend. I also almost lost my best friend and her boyfriend the night before Thanksgiving. And I've also been worried about my health. There have been issues and problems that I've had, that only have me worried. The shooting didn't effect me at first, but when it did, it effected me in a way that made me realize that life is short. It can end at any time, whether it be a shooting, a car accident, or bad health. I take life for granted at times, and I have to learn to live more freely and do things that I or others will always remember. I've always been a person to make a mark and stand out. If it means making 200 people in a hallway laugh their ass off, because they've never seen a giant pacman run through the halls before, then so be it. I love to laugh, as well as make others laugh, smile, or just have a good time. And now I only want to do it more.
Today, I heard on the radio, a lady said that if someone is depressed and thinking about killing themselves as well as others, it's hard to tell. Society today is too soft on people. "...We get away too easily with being brats," is exactly what she said. If we make a point to have respect towards people it can be different. It's not a miracle we need, but we at least need a start. She said, as well as I have thought about it. All it takes is a smile. Sounds cheesey, but it helps. What if you see a man walking down the street, you walk by him, and as you do, you smile. And of course, he smiles back, surprised. It made him feel good. So now when he walks into some store, and puts a gun to the place, he might think back to that moment. I doubt it, but you never know! Just think though, if you're at that Wal-Mart, and he sees you again, at least he'll smile at you! Hey, it might save your life, lol.
My point is... if we learn to be nice and have respect, the people that feel like failures and hate themselves, won't feel so bad. It's not that you have to baby every single person, and say, "Poor Johnny! He's depressed!" No. Smile at them, tell them what they can do to better themselves or their attitude. Offer encouragement for a good personality, not sympathy. It only makes them feel worse. Think back to when you felt like shit, we've all been there. Would you rather have someone say, "I'm so sorry your life sucks."? Or would you rather hear, "Let me take you out for a night on the town." Or, "If you did this... maybe this would get better." I don't know what suicide is like, or how the thoughts plan out. But I know what depression feels like.
Friends are key.
3 comments:
I thought about you when I heard this on the news. Thanks God you weren't there.
I'm angry at the kid who did this, but I also feel sad for him. I always try to treat my sons' friends with kindness and understanding, no matter what their reputation may be. I believe it makes a difference. You can't just write people off.
Still, what the hell is happening in this country?
I thought of you too when I heard the news, that's why I sent the email.. I'm so happy to hear you are safe.
My kids school was on lockdown a few weeks ago. Rumor was... someone was bringing a gun to school because they were pissed about a grade they recieved.. My kid called me scared to death! They had the students locked in their rooms with the teachers until they resolved the issue.. When I went to high school I never in a million years worried about anything like this! And even now while shopping or going to the bank I watch people.. more than ever before... you never know what crazy people are capable of doing.
Kenz: I also thought of you when I heard about these horrific shootings. Tif's comments above are poignant, because it does indicate what a dangerous and uncertain place the world has become. I'm happy you're safe, for sure.
I hate to say it (and start a raging debate), but Canada and the UK have it right with their gun control laws. That's the only way these kinds of violent tragedies are going to cease. There's no way a teenager should have access to firearms.
Take care.
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