Yesterday, my hometown was attacked by a 13 year old boy who asked to be excused from class to go to the restroom and returned with 2 handguns and shot a 13 year old girl and their teacher, who took 3 shots while tackling the gunman and saving multiple lives. I live in one of the most sought after communities in the country. This "doesn't happen here". But here we are. Last night, another teen boy committed suicide in connection to a threat that came in after the initial shooting - in my neighborhood. now we have a teacher recovering in 1 hospital, a little girl recovering in critical condition after suffering multiple gunshots to the chest, 2 children in custody and another child dead. and a community that can't breathe without recognizing our hero teacher and first responders. I am heartbroken and fearful. I'm begging you - start talking to your kids. or your nieces and nephews. Have an open dialogue with them. I fear we are ignoring our youth and not teaching them proper outlets for their pain. I don't know where the answer is. I don't care to have that conversation right now. but I don't want another family or community to endure what my hometown, small, idyllic suburbia heart is feeling right now and will for days to come. Hug your kids and family. Remind them they are loved.