On December 14, 2012, a horrific tragedy struck Sandy Hook Elementary School, where 20 young lives were taken in a mass shooting. Since that day, countless others have fallen victim to gun violence, with 338 mass shootings recorded in just 2017. Many of us held onto the hope that such a heartbreaking loss would lead to meaningful discussions about gun control, but sadly, we were mistaken.
As a mother, I’m utterly exhausted. Exhausted from hearing about innocent lives lost in mere moments, only to witness the same predictable cycle of thoughts, prayers, and inaction replayed over and over. Every few months, we rally for change, only to find ourselves back at square one.
I’m drained from being a young mother with two cherished little ones who should be enjoying a carefree childhood in what’s touted as “the greatest country on earth.” Instead, I’m gripped by an underlying anxiety each time they board the school bus, fearing that today might be the day an unstable individual enters their school armed with a semi-automatic weapon.
I’m tired of listening to my children recount the active shooter drills that have unfortunately become a norm in elementary schools nationwide. They understand that their survival depends on staying silent and hidden in a dark classroom until it’s safe to emerge, or following their teacher’s instructions to remain still. They’ve learned not to touch firearms if they encounter one. This is the reality our kids are facing, and it’s heart-wrenching.
Is this truly the patriotic country we claim to love? A place where our youngest and most innocent citizens can’t even focus on basic learning without being subjected to drills meant to prepare them for potential violence? This is deemed acceptable by those who clutch their guns while discussing their Second Amendment rights?
Let’s not forget another fundamental right we hold dear as Americans: the right to live freely and without fear. Our current laws, which enable individuals to stockpile firearms, stand in stark contradiction to this right. What’s so great about a nation filled with anxious families? Parents who can’t guarantee their children will come home safely after a day at school? Who can’t take their kids to a movie or concert without the haunting thought of whether they might end up on a memorial list for the next tragedy?
Go ahead, challenge me. Tell me that politics shouldn’t intrude on motherhood. Explain why we should simply look the other way while heartless politicians, influenced by gun lobbies, ensure that dangerous individuals can easily access weapons. Please justify how we should prioritize discussions about strollers and feeding schedules over the urgent need to protect our children’s lives.
Because I can assure you, I would much prefer to have those light-hearted conversations than to hear my little ones animatedly share how they’ve practiced huddling in a bathroom during drills. It’s absurd that safety has become a punchline, where the smallest child must stand on the toilet while their teacher crouches by the door, reminding them to be quiet to stay safe. Why has this become our new normal? Why don’t our children deserve better? I’m struggling to understand.
Picture this: a mom in a grocery store, shopping for Goldfish crackers and bananas, shouldn’t have to strategize her exit route the moment she walks in. She shouldn’t have to endure a day of quiet panic while her kids are at school. This is not the reality we envisioned for modern motherhood, nor the childhoods we hoped to provide for our kids.
We didn’t expect to be raising our children in an environment that feels like a battleground. It’s time we prioritize the safety of our kids over our guns. We’re exhausted—how can we not be? If the tragic loss of 20 innocent children hasn’t pushed this country to care more about the lives of kids than about guns, what will?
If you’re looking to make a difference, consider checking out Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America for ways to get involved. They provide valuable resources for those seeking change. You can also explore this article for insights from experts on related issues and this resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, we must unite to ensure our children can grow up in a safe environment where their lives are valued more than the right to bear arms. The time for change is now.