Sheri K Hoff, click
here to update your pages on AuthorsDen.
Blogs by Sheri K Hoff
A Weekend of Utter Shock 7/22/2012 8:02:18 PM
After going through a weekend of utter shock with the Aurora shooting only 30 minutes from our home, and one of of our friend’s sons working Friday night at the movie theater in Aurora (he did not get hurt and is safe), I found that I felt a combination of terrible sadness, and yet, also, gratitude for each moment of the weekend. I told my children I loved them more than I probably normally do and small irritating things didn’t bother me at all.
I immediately catapulted backwards in time to the day my brother died in a shocking tragedy. I not only felt sad for all of the victims and families of the Aurora shooting, but I also knew the feeling of being in complete disbelief at something so senseless. In the aftermath of my brother’s death back in the 80′s, I remember being brave, but I was also numb. I knew that life would never quite be the same again. And these feelings from 27 years ago crept back over me. Tears streamed down my face in compassion and empathy for the Aurora families.
When I listened to Aurora family members talk about their deceased loved ones, I tried to remember what was helpful to me when I was first reeling from tragedy. I remembered that the most helpful people just sat with me. They didn’t try to cheer me up- they were just with me- and knowing they were there- was a comfort.
As I watched the news, I saw the community coming together and stories of courage and bravery. I was struck by the strength and determination of everyone involved – including the determination to honor the lives who were lost. President Obama and Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney offered encouragement and support for the families and our country.
What can you and I do to help? Donations to GivingFirst.org allow you to give to a wide range of organizations who are helping the victims.
I am inspired so much by people’s desire to help make a difference.
