On December 14, 2012, a tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School claimed the lives of 20 children. Since that day, gun violence has taken thousands more lives, with a staggering 338 mass shootings reported in just 2017. In the aftermath of Sandy Hook, many believed that such a heartbreaking loss would finally prompt real change in gun legislation. Unfortunately, we were mistaken.
As mothers, we are exhausted. Exhausted from the endless cycle of news reports detailing innocent lives taken in mere moments, followed by the ritual of thoughts and prayers, and yet again, the lack of meaningful action. Every few months, we renew our calls for change, but nothing ever materializes.
I’m weary of being a young mother with two beautiful children who should be enjoying a carefree childhood in what we call “the greatest country on earth.” Instead, I live with a constant undertone of anxiety whenever I send them off to school, fearing that today could be the day an unstable individual decides to enter their school armed with a semi-automatic weapon.
I’m tired of hearing my kids describe the active shooter drills that have become routine in elementary schools nationwide. My little ones understand that to survive a potential massacre, they must hide silently in their darkened classroom, waiting for the danger to pass. They know not to touch any weapon if one is left nearby. They follow their teacher’s instructions and remain still in hopes of returning home safely to their family.
Is this what America has become? A place where even the youngest and most innocent must practice dodging a shooter instead of learning basic math and reading? Is this acceptable to those who cling to their guns while preaching about Second Amendment rights?
What about our right as Americans to simply live? Our laws that enable individuals to amass firearms, while children and innocent citizens are murdered daily, contradict this fundamental right. What is commendable about a nation filled with fearful citizens? A nation where parents can’t assure their children that they will come home safe from school each day? Where outings to movies or concerts are tainted by the fear of being the next victims, the next names we mourn until the next tragedy diverts our attention?
I implore anyone to confront me. Tell me why politics should be absent from discussions about motherhood. Explain why we should ignore the actions of cold-hearted politicians beholden to gun lobbies that ensure that dangerous individuals can acquire weapons, possibly even silencers. Please, justify why we should focus on strollers and feeding schedules when our children’s lives hang in the balance.
Because I assure you, I would much rather engage in those lighter conversations than hear my children calmly recount their practice of hiding in the classroom toilet. How can we accept this as our new normal? Why don’t our children deserve a better reality?
I’m a mother shopping for snacks with my kids, yet I shouldn’t have to plan my escape route as soon as I step inside. I shouldn’t have to spend the entire day worrying while they’re at school. This isn’t the motherhood we envisioned; this isn’t what we wanted for our children’s upbringing.
We didn’t expect to raise our kids in a battlefield. It’s time to prioritize our children’s safety over our attachment to firearms. We are exhausted, and how can we not be? If the tragic loss of 20 children in a school shooting didn’t inspire our nation to value lives over guns, what will?
If you’re interested in making a difference, consider checking out Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
In summary, mothers are increasingly alarmed by the normalization of gun violence and the impact it has on our children. The need for effective gun control is urgent, as the safety of our children should always come first. As we navigate this harrowing reality, we must unite to advocate for change.