Local Family Reacts to the Connecticut Shooting
By: Casie Mason
Updated: December 15, 2012
Parents held their children a little tighter today as news of the Connecticut tragedy sets in. Today this horrific event weighs on the minds of many knowing those effected will never get the chance to hold their loved one again. A family I met today in Henderson says they are thankful they still can.
It's a quiet day, as shock sets in. Flags fly at half mast, a devastating reminder of the lives taken in yesterday's horrific tragedy. Back here at home many parents like Gene Duncan are asking themselves today, what do you say or do the day after a nightmare becomes reality.
In the middle of all this sadness, laughter is heard the joy of a child These innocent children are about the same age as many of the young shooting victims. It's that innocence that teaches us, as adults, to push forward.
"We thought we would come out and give them a little park time. It should be the furthest thing from children's minds this time of year anyway, so we are in the park trying to get lifted up," says Duncan.
After yesterday's unthinkable act of violence, it's the simple things, like a day in the park that helps this family cope "Its just horrible. I can't imagine what those families are going through. They should not be afraid to go to school and learn."
Not only does Duncan look at this as a father, but a husband as well. His wife has taught in a school for nearly thirty years. "I guess it's always in the back of your mind, but she deals with that pretty good. She's been doing that a long time. That could happen here to somebody we know and we love. It really hits home."
In this season of joy and good will toward men he says, "Kids five, six years old. I mean come on. It's Christmas time. Its not supposed to be like that."
As Duncan and his wife watch their family play, they know they will never forget what happened in Connecticut yesterday, but they want to be sure these young kids have a smile on their face, especially with Christmas approaching.
The president has asked flags be flown at half staff until Tuesday to honor the lives lost.
It's a quiet day, as shock sets in. Flags fly at half mast, a devastating reminder of the lives taken in yesterday's horrific tragedy. Back here at home many parents like Gene Duncan are asking themselves today, what do you say or do the day after a nightmare becomes reality.
In the middle of all this sadness, laughter is heard the joy of a child These innocent children are about the same age as many of the young shooting victims. It's that innocence that teaches us, as adults, to push forward.
"We thought we would come out and give them a little park time. It should be the furthest thing from children's minds this time of year anyway, so we are in the park trying to get lifted up," says Duncan.
After yesterday's unthinkable act of violence, it's the simple things, like a day in the park that helps this family cope "Its just horrible. I can't imagine what those families are going through. They should not be afraid to go to school and learn."
Not only does Duncan look at this as a father, but a husband as well. His wife has taught in a school for nearly thirty years. "I guess it's always in the back of your mind, but she deals with that pretty good. She's been doing that a long time. That could happen here to somebody we know and we love. It really hits home."
In this season of joy and good will toward men he says, "Kids five, six years old. I mean come on. It's Christmas time. Its not supposed to be like that."
As Duncan and his wife watch their family play, they know they will never forget what happened in Connecticut yesterday, but they want to be sure these young kids have a smile on their face, especially with Christmas approaching.
The president has asked flags be flown at half staff until Tuesday to honor the lives lost.
Comments
I could never imagine how to deal with the loss of a child. I am saddened and can't explain how to tell my child what to do in such a horrible event as this, I know it has changed how I speak to my child how I hold my child I do not want to let go. God Bless thes families.
Natalie N.
December 15, 2012 at 9:58 pm
