There have been very few times in my life that I haven’t felt safe whether I was at home, work or out in the community. I know that bad things happen in our world every day but I try not to dwell on them.
On Monday after work I had to go to the DMV (Dept of Motor Vehicles) to register the boat for the year. It was extremely crowded, standing room only, so I took a number and found a place to stand while I waited for my number to be called. As I stood there waiting, two thoughts crossed my mind…..1) if a shooter came into this building where could I hide and 2) I really should move away from the front door and windows. Both these thoughts were unsettling for me since I have never had those types of thoughts cross my mind before when I have been in a crowded place. I have attended footballs games, conferences, boat shows and when the winter Olympics were here in Salt Lake City, I remember attending the night parties downtown and I loved being with all the people and crowds. I loved the feeling that was there.
It makes me sad that because of recent events, I have started to question my safety in these sort of places. I know that this won’t last and I will work through these feelings. I don’t want to live my life being afraid and wondering and worrying about what might happen. I have limited my time on social media the last couple of days because it makes me sad to read all the reports about the tragedy in Orlando. I can’t help but think that if we all just adopted the attitude of “live and let live”, were a little less judgmental and a little more kind then maybe events like this could be avoided. I know, I know it is probably wishful thinking on my part but a mother and grandmother can wish.
