Once a month, I’d pull out of our condo building on Sheridan Road, in Wilmette, Illinois, heading north. It was a favorite drive. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall. On the right side of the street, houses are mansion-size. Think Salisbury House big. And majestic. They face Lake Michigan, a body of water so big it’s called an ‘inland sea.’
Depressed. Disgusted. Disturbed. But most of all angry because some people put money, profits, political donations - all of it - before LIFE! Life that is in the here and now. To imagine an 8 year old watching a friend with a grapefruit size bullet hole in his chest or face die is too savage to bear. And we wonder why kids have mental illnesses. I'm with the protester with the sign!
I try not to let events keep me from going and doing BUT when I was at a park in Urbandale for the 4th of July festivities, I sat there and wondered, what IF someone starts shooting? When I go to movies or get a massage, I wonder, what IF someone starts shooting. And then I begin to think of scenarios and how I would attempt to flee or hide myself. A very sad day in our country. I still love my country but there are MANY THINGS that need to be addressed like YESTERDAY. It is such a multifaceted issue that it boggles the mind on where to start or how but I do feel more significant legislation against guns is one place to start. I also think mental health of many of these individuals is another place to focus. And just WHEN did it become okay to get so ticked off that the solution is to shoot ? I have a long list of things I do also and of things to be grateful for and to be optimistic but I am sure not the Pollyana I used to be many years ago, which is really kind of sad. Loretta Quinnett.
According to Wikapedia, Highland Park was a gated suburban community without gates. Thanks to our weak political leadership, the high profits of the gun companies and the twisted efforts of gun lobbyist, gun violence is everywhere and so the gates will have to be put up at all levels of our society regardless of how safe or unsafe we feel.
Julie, I appreciated this article and also appreciate that various comments. I was born in Highland Park, and regularly revisit while attending my beloved Ravinia. I HATE it that I do find that this one seriously is fostering even more sorrow than the others (probably the bucolic surroundings) but then again, I do think that each and every one of these things just piles on and on and on. Including the shooting we had here this year at East High School a school here in Des Moines where I regularly work. (Plus- -60 shots to take down a man during a traffic stop? That's a FIRING SQUAD level of gun violence!)
I have zero coping ideas other than activism and trying to honestly state one's truth, but I did see a young woman with a sign that might be worth mentioning, She was out protesting last weekend at the weekly outdoor Band Concert on the steps of Iowa's Capital. I think she was striving to get at deep truth.
Her handmade sign read: "Abortions disturbing you? Just ignore them like you do school shootings."
I do not fear for myself. I fear for our children, and especially my 6 grandchildren.
So I volunteer tirelessly for all Democrats!
For the environment, equality/equity for all, voting rights, common sense gun control, a woman’s right to control her own body including access to abortion. healthcare for all, voting rights and on and on and on.
Please find it in your heart to continue to do the same. We will save this Democracy!
My cousin Margo was injured in the shooting yesterday and her awesome son (37) and daughter-in-law were both killed. Her 2 year old grandson survived unscathed except for the inevitable mental injuries that he will deal with. We must outlaw these automatic guns -- weapons of war!
My thoughts go out to you, Julie. I hope your community there can heal and bond, and that the boy who was shot in the leg will be fine physically, and will become a leader of sorts emotionally and spiritually, turning this nonsense into gold. xx
Coping as best I can. We have to make changes that matter. We can't keep going down this path. One thing is to be more aware of the mental health needs of ourselves and others.
I, too, feel deep sadness and a need to call on every source of resilience I can muster in the face of these mass shootings. The July 4th shooting in Highland Park left friends and family grieving for six people murdered and 31 people struggling with gunshot injuries. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 21 mass shootings in the week since June 29, killing 21 people and wounding 124 people. My friends at the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center are responding to each of the 19 communities whose sense of safety is forever altered.
Unfortunately, it’s not going to change unless we get more Democratic Senators elected. Our current group of Republicans Senators are not going to stand up to the gun lobby and they are fearful of the Trump base.
Talked to another former Highland Parker this morning. He told me friends of his recently sold their home in HP to a nice young couple who moved in July 2. Getting to know their neighborhood, the new home owners attended the community parade on July 4. The couple had moved to Highland Park from New York City. Luckily, they were not among those killed or wounded yesterday.
I am so grateful for all of the blessings in my life but I also have an awareness it could all change at any moment. My heart aches for the innocent lives lost just because they happen to be in an elementary classroom, church or watching a parade. None of us are safe. Anywhere.
I so agree I take an anti depressant (& Steve says I’m snippy without it) but feel my depression is situational in that so many white folks are still racist
My coping right now is to wear a green bandana and figure out the best way to turn out voters in Iowa Let’s all hug one another and once more into the Breech ✊🏼
Depressed. Disgusted. Disturbed. But most of all angry because some people put money, profits, political donations - all of it - before LIFE! Life that is in the here and now. To imagine an 8 year old watching a friend with a grapefruit size bullet hole in his chest or face die is too savage to bear. And we wonder why kids have mental illnesses. I'm with the protester with the sign!
Yes!
My heart is so heavy.
Alicia
Chicago
Indeed
I try not to let events keep me from going and doing BUT when I was at a park in Urbandale for the 4th of July festivities, I sat there and wondered, what IF someone starts shooting? When I go to movies or get a massage, I wonder, what IF someone starts shooting. And then I begin to think of scenarios and how I would attempt to flee or hide myself. A very sad day in our country. I still love my country but there are MANY THINGS that need to be addressed like YESTERDAY. It is such a multifaceted issue that it boggles the mind on where to start or how but I do feel more significant legislation against guns is one place to start. I also think mental health of many of these individuals is another place to focus. And just WHEN did it become okay to get so ticked off that the solution is to shoot ? I have a long list of things I do also and of things to be grateful for and to be optimistic but I am sure not the Pollyana I used to be many years ago, which is really kind of sad. Loretta Quinnett.
Isn’t it though?
According to Wikapedia, Highland Park was a gated suburban community without gates. Thanks to our weak political leadership, the high profits of the gun companies and the twisted efforts of gun lobbyist, gun violence is everywhere and so the gates will have to be put up at all levels of our society regardless of how safe or unsafe we feel.
Thanks, John!
Julie, I appreciated this article and also appreciate that various comments. I was born in Highland Park, and regularly revisit while attending my beloved Ravinia. I HATE it that I do find that this one seriously is fostering even more sorrow than the others (probably the bucolic surroundings) but then again, I do think that each and every one of these things just piles on and on and on. Including the shooting we had here this year at East High School a school here in Des Moines where I regularly work. (Plus- -60 shots to take down a man during a traffic stop? That's a FIRING SQUAD level of gun violence!)
I have zero coping ideas other than activism and trying to honestly state one's truth, but I did see a young woman with a sign that might be worth mentioning, She was out protesting last weekend at the weekly outdoor Band Concert on the steps of Iowa's Capital. I think she was striving to get at deep truth.
Her handmade sign read: "Abortions disturbing you? Just ignore them like you do school shootings."
Well said, Robin. I did not know you are from Highland Park. Such a lovely village.
Love the sign. Ignore them like you do school shootings!
I do not fear for myself. I fear for our children, and especially my 6 grandchildren.
So I volunteer tirelessly for all Democrats!
For the environment, equality/equity for all, voting rights, common sense gun control, a woman’s right to control her own body including access to abortion. healthcare for all, voting rights and on and on and on.
Please find it in your heart to continue to do the same. We will save this Democracy!
My cousin Margo was injured in the shooting yesterday and her awesome son (37) and daughter-in-law were both killed. Her 2 year old grandson survived unscathed except for the inevitable mental injuries that he will deal with. We must outlaw these automatic guns -- weapons of war!
Monica, thank you for sharing this news. I am so sorry. The more people understand how close we are to this happening in our own families,
My thoughts go out to you, Julie. I hope your community there can heal and bond, and that the boy who was shot in the leg will be fine physically, and will become a leader of sorts emotionally and spiritually, turning this nonsense into gold. xx
Coping as best I can. We have to make changes that matter. We can't keep going down this path. One thing is to be more aware of the mental health needs of ourselves and others.
I, too, feel deep sadness and a need to call on every source of resilience I can muster in the face of these mass shootings. The July 4th shooting in Highland Park left friends and family grieving for six people murdered and 31 people struggling with gunshot injuries. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 21 mass shootings in the week since June 29, killing 21 people and wounding 124 people. My friends at the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center are responding to each of the 19 communities whose sense of safety is forever altered.
Unfortunately, it’s not going to change unless we get more Democratic Senators elected. Our current group of Republicans Senators are not going to stand up to the gun lobby and they are fearful of the Trump base.
This is how we do that:
https://gregolear.substack.com/p/53-pick-up?r=ec6&s=r&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Numb!! My nephew was going to that parade but his daughter tested positive for covid so they stayed home.
Oh my. To think Covid might have saved them!
Talked to another former Highland Parker this morning. He told me friends of his recently sold their home in HP to a nice young couple who moved in July 2. Getting to know their neighborhood, the new home owners attended the community parade on July 4. The couple had moved to Highland Park from New York City. Luckily, they were not among those killed or wounded yesterday.
I am so grateful for all of the blessings in my life but I also have an awareness it could all change at any moment. My heart aches for the innocent lives lost just because they happen to be in an elementary classroom, church or watching a parade. None of us are safe. Anywhere.
My gratitude list is getting longer, and yet...
I so agree I take an anti depressant (& Steve says I’m snippy without it) but feel my depression is situational in that so many white folks are still racist
My coping right now is to wear a green bandana and figure out the best way to turn out voters in Iowa Let’s all hug one another and once more into the Breech ✊🏼
Good for you, Steve