Reflections on the Apalachee High School Tragedy and a Call for Action
As a mother of two young children, I am no stranger to worrying about their safety. But this week, my heart aches more than ever for the families of Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. This community that is so eerily similar to my own, a tragedy unfolded that no parent should ever have to face. My deepest condolences go out to the students, teachers, and families affected by this senseless act of violence. This is an all too common occurrence in this country, but in no other developed one in the world. Stats are easily verifiable. We cannot let it be normalized. Being shot to death at school will never be normal.
In the aftermath of yet another school shooting, I find myself reflecting on my own daily rituals. Each morning, I mentally note what my children are wearing before they leave for school—just in case. This isn’t something I should have to think about, but it’s my reality, and the reality for countless parents in Georgia and beyond. It’s devastating that we must prepare for the worst while sending our children to what should be a safe place of learning and growth.
But here we are, again, with grieving families and communities asking, “Why wasn’t more done to protect our children?”
As parents, we bear the emotional burden of fearing for our children’s safety every day. Yet, our legislators continue to allow these tragedies to happen. Common-sense gun laws that could help prevent these events are within reach, and yet, they go unpassed.
We often say, “This time will be different.” And yes, it is different. But not because parents no longer send their children to school without the fear that they might not come home. The real difference is social media. It allows us to hear directly from survivors—their stories, emotions, and trauma all captured in heart-wrenching videos on our screens.
Even if law enforcement does everything right—even if every teacher is armed with concealed carry permits and weapons, perfectly secured as safety measures, and even if schools have School Resource Officers (SROs) and daily law enforcement presence to respond to potential threats—the fact remains: the existence of these violent situations leaves deep scars on an entire generation of youth.
Hearing these students’ unfiltered stories, in their own voices and on their own terms, has been eye-opening. It is impossible to listen to their experiences and not be forever changed. Even when lockdown drills work flawlessly, the trauma these children endure is undeniable and long-lasting. The events of Wednesday, September 4th, will leave emotional wounds that may never fully heal.
How can we watch children describe the most terrifying experience of their lives and not demand action? How can we see these firsthand accounts of gun violence and still focus on issues like what books are deemed appropriate for schools? Books are not the problem. Guns are.
BAN GUNS, NOT BOOKS.
If your child comes home from school with a book you find inappropriate, guess what?
YOU ARE LUCKY.
If your child comes home and asks to use different pronouns than you gave them, remember:
YOU ARE LUCKY.
If your child wants to wear a dress, cut their hair, or express themselves differently that you are comfortable with:
YOU ARE LUCKY.
If your child tells you about a friend who used to be called David and and is now called Rebecca and is using a different bathroom:
YOU ARE LUCKY.
If your child asks why their ancestors mistreated others:
YOU ARE LUCKY.
If your child comes home from school in America:
YOU ARE LUCKY.
Two Georgia families are not as lucky as you are this week.
A Call to Action
If we want real change, it’s going to take all of us. I urge you—whether you’re a parent, teacher, or community member—to contact your elected officials every single day until they take action. Our children deserve to be safe in their schools. We need common-sense gun reform, and we need it now.
It’s not enough to offer thoughts and prayers. Real change only happens when we demand it, and I’m calling on every parent and concerned citizen to do just that. Make your voice heard—email, call, or write your representatives in Georgia and in Washington, D.C. Tell them that you will not stand by while more lives are lost.
Our children should not live in fear. Let’s fight for a future where they don’t have to.
Together, we can demand change. Let’s make sure this is the last time we hear about a school shooting in Georgia—or anywhere else. Contact your elected officials today and every day until we see real legislative action.
If you don’t know who your officials are, you can search by your address here
USA.gov’s “How to Contact Your Elected Officials”
If you’re not sure what to say, just keep it short and simple. “I’m a constituent, I am writing to you today to demand that you support gun reform to protect American children.”
Together, we can demand change. Let’s make sure this is the last time we hear about a school shooting in Georgia—or anywhere else. Contact your elected officials today and every day until we see real legislative action.
