When horrific events like the mass killing in Connecticut happen, often people say, “It’s a sign of the times.” Well, these are times not many want to live in and many might have thought would never come. Times need to change.
A gunman stormed into an elementary school in Connecticut and shot 20 children with a high-powered rifle and killed adults who tried to stop him, according to media reports. The age range of the victims are as young as 6 and 7 with the oldest being 56 years old. Media reports say the gunman shot victims more than once. The tragedy has plunged Newtown, Conn. into mourning. A nation mourns with them. Even the President of the United States – who is also a parent – wept for these children and their families. He also spoke at a vigil held for the victims recently.
When turning on your television to hear the news of the day, stories are dominated with crime and tragedy. Again, these “times” seem to get worse as time passes.
It’s hard to ignore the actions of the Connecticut shooter. Though Newtown is miles away from Minnesota, it touched families everywhere. It should. It should remind us to appreciate the time we have with our families and loved ones. It should remind us no day is promised.
The mass shooting happened one week ago today (Dec. 14, 2012). About two weeks before, area communities were rocked by the killing of Cold Spring-Richmond Police Officer Tom Decker who was shot Nov. 29 while attempting to check on the well-being of a man who was reported to be suicidal. Details about his death are still under investigation. Decker, 31, is the father of four children. He was buried Dec. 4 with full police honors after a funeral at St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville.
These are just two examples of what many refer to as “signs of the times.” Times need to change. As authorities struggle to figure out how to make things better, please continue to keep the Decker family in your prayers and remember the mourning families and community members in Connecticut. One social media post read, “Don’t just pray for children in Connecticut, pray for children everywhere.” Well said.