What a week it has been. Between the shootings at Fort Hood and Orlando, it has been a struggle to keep focus on the fact that there is violence every day that goes unreported or unnoticed. My thoughts and prayers are with the families at Fort Hood and Orlando who are suffering after these senseless acts took place.

In the mil community, there was a lot of talk about the "hows" and "whys" of what happened at Fort Hood. Speculation and rumor ruled the day Thursday as no one knew how many or who was injured or dead, or why the shooting took place. Currently, the shooter is in a coma, so many questions are still unanswered. I spoke with friends who are part of this community and one overarching theme arose: We all feel very deeply about what went on, and we must realize that we should be thankful for what we have. 

I actually got really angry at one point reading in some Facebook groups and chats that said some people were "so glad their soldier wasn't at that base" or "thank goodness his orders were changed and he wasn't there that day." They talked about how God had spared them the pain and how fortunate they were, and while I'm among those that did not have a loved one on the base, I still became irritated with this language. People died or were injured senselessly, and all you can do is be selfish and thank your lucky stars you and yours were spared?! 

While I understand this feeling can be unavoidable - being grateful you know your loved one is okay - the least these people could do is express their prayers for that family and leave the selfishness unsaid. But like a friend of mine has reminded me this week, it takes all kinds to make this world go 'round.

Continuous prayers go out to the families at Fort Hood and in Orlando through this difficult time. May your service members' and your own sacrifices never been taken for granted in defending our freedoms.
 


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