Stunned Shock

Today, I took my husband to the bus stop, came home, and went back to bed. I got up later than I meant to, ate breakfast, and went bowling. I came home and sat down to read, trying to stay cool.

I never turned the TV or the radio or even my computer on, a sharp departure from my norm.

I did not know about the horrific tragedy that took place in Aurora last night until 5:00 pm today.

I don’t know what to say. My heart goes out to the people who were in that theater. I saw an interview with a man who dropped his baby trying to escape. The baby and the father, mother, and other child in that family were all hurt, none seriously. Physically. I am sure it will take them years, if ever, to recover from the other damage done to them. They are in my prayers tonight and I am begging that the man find it in his heart to forgive himself. It won’t be easy.

He is representative of everyone else there who suddenly found themselves in a deadly situation for no reason other than wanting to attend the premiere of a wildly anticipated movie. It should have been an awesomely fun night.

What makes a person decide, plan, and execute a massacre of his fellow human beings, especially his own countrymen? I’m not saying it’s okay to massacre people of any country, mind you. I just don’t understand how you can turn against your own, much less how you can justify doing this to any human being. From what we’re finding out, he spent four months scoping out the theater, buying the weapons and explosives, and equipping himself with heavy-duty body armor.

What broke? Why here? What could anyone have done to set this guy off this way? Did it even have to do with us or was it just a random act of unbelievable cruelty?

I’m not the only one asking these questions tonight.

Please, hold the people who were there, their families, the Aurora first responders (they were there in 90 seconds and certainly saved a lot of lives), and everyone touched by this horror in your hearts and prayers. Hug your families, especially your children, a little extra tonight. It’s the only thing I can think of that might make a difference tonight.

You might spare a prayer for the murderer’s family. Today, they found out they raised a monster. I cannot believe anyone sets out to raise a mass murderer.

From Lakewood, another suburb of Denver, good night. Please, let us all have a good night.

Loads Of Visitors And A New Grandbaby!

This is just a quick post to let everyone know I’m still out here and kicking. This week, my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson arrived on Monday, a few hours after I drove my laboring daughter to the hospital. My beautiful granddaughter joined us at 2:58 AM Mountain time, weighing in at 6 pounds, 3 ounces and 18 inches long. My beloved stepmom got to town this evening. Some observations on the influx:

1) My almost one-year-old grandson is beautiful, charming, even-tempered, and scary smart.
2) My son and daughter-in-law are incredible parents.
3) My daughter is becoming a remarkable mom.
4) My former son-in-law is already wrapped around my new granddaughter’s finger and he’s going to be a great dad.
4) My stepmom manages look elegant and charming, despite a day spent at airports.
5) My husband is so willing to go the extra mile to support me and my family. He’s also wrapped around grandbaby’s little finger and she doesn’t even know him yet.
6) I am so fortunate to have such a great family!

Pictures coming in a few days. Right now, I have two grandchildren to enjoy, my mom to visit with, and my son and daughter-in-law to get know again. Yes, I’m still here and I’ll talk to you soon!

Catching Up (Pant, Pant)

Writing

Okay, after a wild and woolly writing weekend, I am less than a thousand words behind. I am feeling very positive about this, especially because there are hints that I’m actually writing a decent story. Although I have to admit to using a couple of plot devices, such as the free shrimp dinner, to run up my word count. However, I do think NaNoWriMo winners should be entitled to free shrimp dinners. When I have a moment, I’m going to do a little creating.

Part of the reason I think we should get anything in the way of free food is because nutritional concerns are right out the window here. Oh, am I hungry? What can I grab and shove in my chops while writing? Or I’ll just wait until I finish this page…..I may also have permanent kidney damage from doing the same thing about bio breaks. Ah, well, the sacrifices one must make for one’s art.

I know, I’m a little giddy. I’m back to thinking I really will get this done. Talk to me at the end of next week.

Art

Still no progress here. Maybe tomorrow, if I stay on track. My husband has been home for four days, which is way too much distraction for me to get art and writing done.

Joy

I have a lot to be joyful about today. My son is back from sea duty. I know he loves being a submariner in the Navy, but his mother is happier when he’s on shore. At least he’s on a nuclear sub, which is a pretty safe way to travel, despite Hollywood’s attempts to convince us otherwise. I’m glad he’s home.

My daughter was feeling well enough to participate in the Race For Fetal Hope, a 5k run/walk. I’m so proud of her! Last year at this time, she lost a child to Trisomy-18, a genetic disorder that randomly strikes 1 in 3000 pregnancies.

My stepmom is coming to Denver in December, hopefully to be here when her newest great-grandchild is born. We lost my father last year in the first week of December and Mom has had a difficult year as she adjusted to his absence. I am so glad she’s joining us!

My son, his wife, and my incredibly handsome, talented, and wise beyond his year grandson are also coming at the same time, for the same reason. We will get to celebrate Donovan’s first birthday with them. What could be more joyful than that?

As you can see, we had a tough end to last year. This year, we all have new definitions of joy, mostly having to do with being grateful for each other and all the people who love and support us. Here in the US, we’re coming up on our Thanksgiving holiday and I’m already thinking of everything and everyone I’m grateful for. Give some thought to what you’re grateful for and smile for a bit. Then go have a fabulous Monday and create something magnificent with someone you love!