I watched in horror as the details of Saturday's terrible tragedy unfolded in Tucson, Arizona. I think I felt even more of connection because Raylan's Mom had lived in Tucson for 30 years before she passed away. Raylan and I spent many weeks in Tucson visiting his mom. So it was so unbelievable to me that something this horrible would happen in Tucson, bad things don't happen there. But as we are always reminded bad things happen every where.
My thoughts and prayers have been with the families that lost a loved one and those who have a family member fighting for their life. Having lost both a brother suddenly from cancer and almost losing a child this past spring, I know very well how gut wrenching and life changing those experiences can be. I know for me and our family, having people reach out with love, support and prayers helped us make it through some of the worst days of our life.
Last night I watched the father of one of Representative Giffords aides who was killed in the attack talk about how his son would never get married, she his children grow, grow old and I started to bawl uncontrollably. My heart was broken that another family would face wondering WHAT WOULD HIS LIFE BE LIKE? A life cut way to short!
I have been saddened that some people have chosen to focus on blaming others for this tragedy. I can understand wanting to look for someone to blame in these instances but it doesn't change anything for the families going through this tragedy. My brother died of a rare form of cancer at the age of 27. My thirteen year old woke up with a swollen eye and three hours later laid in a bed fighting for her life . A man with severe mental illness went on a shooting rampage. Dozens of families are reeling from the aftermath. As someone who has experienced way to much tragedy in my life I ask those of you who feel anger and blame towards others for this event to channel that energy into a positive one. Please, please, please send your thoughts and prayers to the victims families and the people who are fighting for their lifes. They need every single one of them. I guarantee it!