Tonight's picture was taken in October of 2006. Mattie was four and a half years old. Though we made this costume together the year before, he was unable to wear it because he was hospitalized with sepsis. So 2006, was the official year of the calico cat costume. Mattie had a wonderful time trick or treating with his preschool friends and I am so glad we captured these moments together!
Quote of the day: If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. ~ James O’Barr
I feel like I live in thorough chaos each and every day. It is hard enough when it is inside your home, but in addition, I find all the national and global issues weigh on my mind and heart. The recent mass shooting in Maine captures my attention as well. My two nephews went to Bates College, which is close to the heart of where the shootings have occurred. In addition, Mattie's "girlfriend," is in her senior year at a college close by to Bates. So to me this seems to hit close to home. As Peter and I were there not long ago for graduations.
What gets me is that mass shootings like this are more common in the United States than other developed nations. I came across this article entitled, Over 70% of mass shootings in developed countries happen in the US, international analysis shows. Given my own personal lens, I look at the social and emotional issues that may explain these shootings. These three facts were mentioned in the article:
- The motivation of the attack is also distinct from other countries, with perpetrators facing employment and financial issues, as well as relationship problems.
- American mass shooters were more likely to attack factories, warehouses, and offices than perpetrators in all other combined countries. While individuals from all countries suffer from strain, this particular strain is largely a US mass shooting motive.
- Relationship problems present another distinct form of strain contributing to US mass shootings. This is not to say that relationship problems do not exist in other countries or that they do not result in violence. In fact, many other countries have much higher rates of intimate partner violence and homicide. However, it is uniquely American that relationship problems end in mass shootings: where individuals outside of those contributing to relationship problems were also, or instead, targeted at random.
Given this, it sounds like strain maybe a large contributor to these mass shootings. But why do we have more emotional strain in this country, versus other developed nations? This question intrigues me. But at the end of the day, being overwhelmed, disconnected, having dysfunctional relationships, and perhaps being rejected are big emotional contributors to such violence. I am not claiming that there are simple solutions, but the fact of the matter is that addressing mental health issues, providing interventions, and community support are vital for healthier communities.
Of the 18 people who have died in Maine, my heart goes out to their families. Life as they have known it has ended, and finding a way forward will not be easy and could take a lifetime.
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