Too Close to Home

“Yesterday afternoon, a man who was fired from his job hours earlier, came back to work with a gun, shot and killed a supervisor, and then shot himself at a landscaping company in my town.

That could have been my brother.

My brother had been running that office until 8 months or so ago. He interviewed the shooter for a mechanics job, but didn't hire him.

I've walked into the office where the shootings happened, and know some of the others who were involved. I can't help but think that could have been my brother.

After the shooter killed the supervisor, he put the gun to the secretary's head. I've met her. The guy who actually fired the shooter was at a meeting, and he would have been killed to, if he had been around.

It just freaked me out some until I heard the 911 call on the news last night. Hearing Cindy's voice, and the shooter's voice really got to me. I've been weepy ever since.

I thought my brother was stupid for leaving that job, but all things happen for a reason.

Be thankful for every day you have, and everyone in your life. You never know when your time with them might end.”

“Wow, SG. I'm so happy your brother wasn't around for this.”

“That is terrible, Smiley girl, I'm glad that your brother wasn't there.”

“Too, too close!”

“WHEW. that does sound very upsetting. i'm glad to hear it wasn't your brother...good brothers are hard to come by.”

“This last Jeep I got?? From a really small town, about maybe 10 miles from where I work in MN?

The husband of the couple was involved in a similar situation maybe 10 years ago. A guy who worked at what I believe is a trucking place came in and shot the place up and then I believe killed himself.

This guy who owned my Jeep was shot during the horrorific mess, I'm thinking I heard it was in his leg or something? I still think he works at the same place. I'd almost like to try to interview him for our paper, however many years after the event: How did it change his life, his perception on what's important, etc.?

I'm glad your brother was spared, Smiley Girl. How does he feel about it? Is he pretty freaked, too, or just trying to play it cool about the whole thing?

It's very true what you said, be thankful for each and every day”

“Hugs Smiley!

Can't imagine not having my brother either.”

“Wow, that's scary Smiley Girl. You're right though, everything DOES happen for a reason. Glad your bro is safe.”

“Dang smiley! I cant imagine what the family is going through now.”

“The guy who was killed was single, but his family must be pretty distraught. The other manager, who would have been dead to if he had been around, has a wife and family. The secretary is single also, I believe, and was headed over to her parents house last night when my brother talked to her.

I simply don't understand how a person can do that. I know he was likely depressed and/or mentaly ill, but I still don't understand. It just doesn't make sense in my mind.”

“Glad to hear your brother is safe. Sorry to hear about the shootings.

There is no real answer why. People can't handle stress and snap out. Mental health is a bigger issue than we admit to ourselves. The lesson for the rest of us is to reach out for help when things turn south, as they often do in life. The saddest part of it all is that the shooter could have gotten help.

So we take what we can from these experiences and stumble on. You are right Smiley when you say to make the most of the time we have.”

“When I read about that on line last night, I naturally thought of you 'cause of the location. I had no idea how close it was to you. You are right, we must all be thankful of every day we wake up (that's my poppa's saying). I hope that everything works out. Feel better!”

“way too close! Glad your brother left! Just like you said everything happens for a reason.”

“That is really, really scary. I would be a weepy mess too. Glad to hear that your brother is okay.”

“Wow, that's awful! I'm glad your brother wasn't there. That would leave me shakey for awhile I think.

I always make sure I tell my loved ones how much I love them, every chance I get. You just never know when they won't be there anymore and I'd hate to have to wonder if they knew how much they meant to me...or wish I'd told them.”

“The funeral was this morning. I don't know how the family of the victim or his co-workers are doing.

Talking to my sister the other day, she reminded me that this was the second time our brother has had a brush with death.

He used to spend summers on my uncle's farm. The hayloft where the cows were kept caught on fire one morning. My (stupid) brother was the last one out of the barn, trying to push as many terrified cows out of the barn as he could. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Did end up saving quite a few cows, though, and my uncle was grateful (although came down on him pretty hard for not getting out earlier).

Anyway, just another reminder, to appreciate those who you have in your life.”

“Oh man, I didn't get a chance to look at this thread till now. That's very scary stuff Smiley girl. Hope everybody affected by this can find a way to cope.”

“I just looked in on this thread too. Holy Moly!

I am very glad that death didn't come any closer to you and yours.

(blessings and comfort to those who weren't as fortunate)”