Thank you for these pieces. I know you have so much going on! Thank you for offering us your perspective and experiences. I’m so sorry to you and others that have to process current events along with the continued processing of your own gun violence experiences.
I’ve worked as a 911 telecommunication answering these calls for several years now. Even in the “safer” neighborhoods, shootings are frequent. By “shootings,” I mean any time a gun is fired, period. I live in a city outside DC, and on an average Tuesday, there’s at least one a night. On weekends, we’re likely to have 2-4 depending on the weather, social climate, season, and a host of other factors. It wasn’t until I took this position that I became so shocked at the topic of gun violence that it continues to be an emotional catalyst for myself. A continual literal cry for action.
Thank you for sharing, Lore. It’s terrifying to share those words and relive those moments, but it gives others a glimpse of the reality and trauma.
I can't imagine living through your experience. Thank you for sharing this. I'd like to highlight that all US states have some form of victim compensation and assistance programs for victims of violent crimes. I can't speak to whether all state programs help with witnesses.
Family members were victims of a violent crime. The program assigned them an advocate to help them through the legal process and guide them to additional assistance including housing, medical care, therapy, reimbursement for lost wages and more. It was still a traumatic experience, but the advocate helped provide a lifeline.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a violent crime, you're not alone. Find your lifeline.
To see a violent act continually happen--even if for seconds, is just horrific. Even once would be horrible. Even if the person is caught, a life, lives are gone in front of you. I cannot imagine. It was brave of all of you to run outside, taking your lives into your hands to see if you could help. Again, I just cannot imagine.
There are violent things I saw on the mission field in Asia that I was not able to process until years later. There were things I heard, heard of, tried to help with...some turned out, some didn't, and there are countless I have to still pray about because I can't afford to wonder. I thank God for God.
Not that you need my “stranger on the internet” encouragement... but thank you for your vulnerability in sharing your story. It can’t be easy to relive these moments but you do it because it matters. If one mind is changed it’s worth it. If one child is saved it’s worth it. If one gun is locked up or given up or whatever small step is taken - it’s worth it.
Lore, thank you for sharing your experience and the willingness to tell it again. Thank you for the graphs you've been including. They are very eye opening, and a terrible truth that needs to be known.
Thank you for these pieces. I know you have so much going on! Thank you for offering us your perspective and experiences. I’m so sorry to you and others that have to process current events along with the continued processing of your own gun violence experiences.
Lore, I want to acknowledge your courage in sharing this intimate, vulnerable story. That was painful & traumatic. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve worked as a 911 telecommunication answering these calls for several years now. Even in the “safer” neighborhoods, shootings are frequent. By “shootings,” I mean any time a gun is fired, period. I live in a city outside DC, and on an average Tuesday, there’s at least one a night. On weekends, we’re likely to have 2-4 depending on the weather, social climate, season, and a host of other factors. It wasn’t until I took this position that I became so shocked at the topic of gun violence that it continues to be an emotional catalyst for myself. A continual literal cry for action.
Thank you for sharing, Lore. It’s terrifying to share those words and relive those moments, but it gives others a glimpse of the reality and trauma.
Thank you for bravely sharing your story with us.
I can't imagine living through your experience. Thank you for sharing this. I'd like to highlight that all US states have some form of victim compensation and assistance programs for victims of violent crimes. I can't speak to whether all state programs help with witnesses.
Family members were victims of a violent crime. The program assigned them an advocate to help them through the legal process and guide them to additional assistance including housing, medical care, therapy, reimbursement for lost wages and more. It was still a traumatic experience, but the advocate helped provide a lifeline.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a violent crime, you're not alone. Find your lifeline.
This is devastating.
To see a violent act continually happen--even if for seconds, is just horrific. Even once would be horrible. Even if the person is caught, a life, lives are gone in front of you. I cannot imagine. It was brave of all of you to run outside, taking your lives into your hands to see if you could help. Again, I just cannot imagine.
There are violent things I saw on the mission field in Asia that I was not able to process until years later. There were things I heard, heard of, tried to help with...some turned out, some didn't, and there are countless I have to still pray about because I can't afford to wonder. I thank God for God.
Not that you need my “stranger on the internet” encouragement... but thank you for your vulnerability in sharing your story. It can’t be easy to relive these moments but you do it because it matters. If one mind is changed it’s worth it. If one child is saved it’s worth it. If one gun is locked up or given up or whatever small step is taken - it’s worth it.
Lore, thank you for sharing your experience and the willingness to tell it again. Thank you for the graphs you've been including. They are very eye opening, and a terrible truth that needs to be known.
I know that office, that building, that corner. 😭