You might have heard in the news that Nova Scotia, where I live, suffered a mass shooting over the weekend.
Nineteen people are dead and authorities expect they will find more victims in five burned-out homes across a 100 km route taken by the shooter. He had dressed as a police officer and drove a vehicle made to look identical to a police cruiser, which undoubtedly contributed to his ability to both get close to his victims and elude authorities over a period of twelve hours. The deaths to date all occurred in rural areas or villages.
Our family is all safe but not untouched by the deaths. Close family members lost a friend, and a community member, and another victim grew up a few streets from us.
I have no words for this, beyond stating the facts.
I'll be back, but not until I process this more.
Stay well, my friends.
You can know about gun violence and hear about it every day, but it's a whole different thing when it hits close to where you live.
ReplyDeleteWe lived through the crack epidemic while staying in some of the poorest areas of Oakland and saw the carnage right up close and personal, and no matter how many times it happened, each time still shook me deep down.
Take care of yourself and we'll hear from you soon.
-Doug in Sugar Pine
There are no words. Inadequate as it is, I am so very sorry.
ReplyDeleteHeartfelt hugs. Today and every day.
I heard this on the news last night and I was so shocked! That sort of thing just doesn't normally happen in your country. I read another blog by someone in Nova Scotia and I hoped you were both okay. And of course, why? Why do people do things like this? What drives them?
ReplyDeleteVirtual hugs and prayers from Denmark.
ReplyDeleteSo sad..and like New Zealand and Sweden in the past...Canada is another place that you don't expect it
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. Jenny love, that is dreadful news. I am so pleased that you are safe. My heart goes out to everyone who lost someone in this senseless tragedy. There is enough bad stuff happening right now without this kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteWhen I hear of these acts of violence it makes ill and my stomach takes a tumble. I have no understanding of this pure evil and never will.
ReplyDeleteBlessedly rare for Canada but terrible to hear about. Keep safe.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update, Jenny. Glad to know that you and yours are, at least, safe. Wish I could give you a hug. So sorry.
ReplyDeleteNova Scotia rarely makes it into the BBC News but this horrible story burst through all the virus-related stuff. So tragic - so many good citizens gone. The name "Wortman" will live on in the annals of evil. He had no right to do what he did, no right at all. So pointless and so cruel. Love to Nova Scotia across the ocean between us x.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about this, Jenny. What an awful shock for you, your family and friends. My thoughts are with you - sending you a virtual hug.
ReplyDeleteA terrible thing for those involved, the communities, province and our country. It shakes you to the core.
ReplyDeleteWe have been following this through the news....hideous......whatever was going on in that mans poor sick mind to do something like this. Our thoughts are with you all. As if there wasn't enough to deal with these days eh?
ReplyDeleteMy husband told me of this a couple of nights ago, but we didn't know where in Canada it had happened. You have shocked me as I thought Nova Scotia was one of those places where nothing bad happens.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it enough that people have to deal with the virus at the moment without having to deal with mad men? My thoughts are with the families of the victims. Stay safe Jenny.
I have watched this in horror. It is so awful and I have been thinking of you and all the wonderful people in your country. These things happen all too frequently in the country where I live unfortunately.(U.S.) I have hoped that such actions would not spread to other countries. I am sorry this has touched your family through friends and acquaintances. I wish I could help but I hold you all in my thoughts. I will never understand such evil.
ReplyDeleteThere are no words to describe this event. Many lives were altered. My sympathy to you. There are many different loses in this event.
ReplyDeleteHugs Jenny!
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for all of you.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you and all those involved. So sorry.
ReplyDeleteNot supposed to happen in your country. Quite dismaying.
ReplyDeleteThis doesn't happen in Canada!
ReplyDeleteTake your time; we'll be here.
Love from Joanne
There are no words. Very sorry. Heartbreak.
ReplyDeletedear Jenny i just went back to check what happened as i was totally unaware of this because we don't watch news these days
ReplyDeletesorry will not be enough for what the residents of your area have beard
this is shocking that such man involved in series of serious crimes was able to unnoticed by police
seems he was mentally ill for sure
i will wait for your return my dear sensitive friend ,i can imagine only how you might feel in such time !
stay strong and stay well ,in my thoughts and prayers !
sending lots and lots of healing energy and love and hugs!
I heard the news and was heartbroken. I would ask what provoked him but there is no answer that would be understandable to me. I'm so sorry for your losses.
ReplyDeleteThis seems so un-Canadian!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Jenny, for you and your community.
ReplyDeleteLife is just full of the unexpected right now, isn't it?
So devastating. Such a horrible tragedy. I'm really sorry for everyone who has been personally affected. I just have no words.
ReplyDeleteOh no I had no idea that this was so close to home. Your home. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteShocking, horrifying, and heartbreaking.
ReplyDelete