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Healthy Horizons

Laurie Lupold

This month marks the anniversary of the Columbine tragedy. None of us can forget that terrifying day that changed the voice of the nation forever. It was an act that reached from the shadows like a thief in the night and suddenly raged like the rapid toll of destruction brought on by wars of past years. But it wasn't a war and there was no army. It was the act of two young individuals acting out their vengeance on unsuspecting members of their school.

Though it's understandable for the nation to carry its feelings of anger and resentment toward the two, a part of us must feel a sense of sadness that they became so out of control in their lives that they would act out with such desperation. I can relate to their tragic end. I have walked that road myself before. Suicide is a screaming out of pain and a desire to end it. Yet taking another's life is displaying rage. What would cause such young minds to do this?

This question resulted in a lot of finger-pointing and caused more bitterness throughout. Many were blamed. The parents, gun control, schools, and government to name a few. I am not a huge fan of weapons but I also feel it is not fair to take rights away from people who obtain and manage firearms properly.

As far as the accountability of the parents, that's a hard one to judge and I really can't speak without knowing them directly. What I can say is this: we do have some amount of accountability over our children but I do think there is a point where you draw the line and the children have to be accountable for themselves. At the same time we have a responsibility to have substantial involvement in our children's lives. Let them know it's safe for them to come and talk to us or there are other resources available for them. Observe their behavior and pay attention to any changes. Show interest in their friends and activities. Praise them. Keep them involved in faith and the belief in God. Most importantly, be a good model.

Since the tragedy at Columbine occurred other such events have taken place at various schools throughout the nation, none as severe but all tragic. It's happening far too often and we need to find a solution before it becomes an epidemic. It's not just the responsibility of one individual, one system or one government. It is the responsibility of all of us.

Columbine

It awoke, John Denver sang of the place he loved, peaceful, loving, innocent is what his words described. A normal day when factories ran, the grocers registered, the stations pumped, secretaries typed and children learned. Unread was the frustration of what existed within, unheard was the anger of children who kept obvious pain.

Swallowed into the darkness, the pits of hell, of destruction; scheming, plotting efforts of their fear, their obvious rejection. Normal patterns faded, anguish was heard, desperate affliction. Cries of lives destroyed, too young, too innocent to die. Screaming swallows of panic hushed by threats of being heard, bodies lying lifeless, enforcement surrounding, too late. Solemn faces waited for the answer to their fateful question, some cried with relief and others with their hearts destroyed.

Their loss brought tears to a nation who could not understand. Sadness prevailed as we laid our heroes to rest in peace, sang out our hearts with sorrow to bring strength to Columbine. Let this now lead us to the mysteries of a truth, one we must face.

We pray that an answer can be found, that peace can be restored. Let not our pain in Columbine go without a sense of redemption. Search for the answers, acknowledge the problem, offer solutions. Open your heart to that angry child. Why is his anger unnoticed? How was he able to build to such sadistic measures? Why this day? We must not quit 'til we know the reasons, we must forever try. Punish the unthinkable but also the one who dismissed it. Reach out, offer hope, give your heart, to sweet Columbine.

Revision from 1999