I never know what I’ll write about until a day or two before I post on Sunday evening. Then, I woke up to the headlines of the Aurora Century 16 shooting on Friday, July 20th, 2012.
At a midnight premier screening of “The Dark Knight Rises,” a 24 year old male, dressed like an armed video game character, opened fire emotionless on moviegoers at the sold out Century 16 theater in Aurora, Colorado.
Some of the innocent cinema patrons planned seeing the premier of “The Dark Knight Rises” weeks in advance and already had their tickets in hand. Others rushed in line hours before the 12am showing to ensure a seat. Then, there are those who waited until the last minute, only to discover the motion picture was sold out and they’d have to see Batman another day. I wonder how those people are feeling, knowing they escaped an indescribable tragedy.
A male teenage Aurora witness said “you never know which day will be your last.” A Gen Y’r with baby son in his lap, and girlfriend by his side, described the horrific scene in movie like fashion, frame by frame. The same day, he flipped the impromptu marriage proposal switch for his son’s Mom who said yes. “Going through 10 minutes of thinking he was dead and I would never see him again, you never want that feeling again,” she said. And yet another survivor said, “Right now find four people and give them the best hug you have.”
As of now, 12 people dead, another 50 injured. Some in critical condition. Our nations prayers are with all of them, including families and friends.
A sobering moment, like the one painted on the canvas of Aurora, gives a vivid picture of the fragility of life.
You know that -one thing- you’ve been meaning to finish or start? For some reason, you’ve delayed flipping the switch. The reason could be anything from fear, doubt, too big an ego, not having all the pieces, etc. Or, you think, “I have plenty of time. I’ll do it soon.”
Jessica Ghawi, 24, was shot and killed on this night. She escaped another shooting in Toronto only a few weeks ago. What are the odds of that happening? She blogged about the Canada incident and said: “Every hug from a family member. Every laugh we share with friends. Even the times of solitude are all blessings. Every second of every day is a gift.”
While you can, flip the switch.
I’ve been having the same feelings and emotions. In fact, this was very similar to the conversation we had over dinner last night. My mom has some exciting and doable dreams… and is turning 70. Time to do it!
Karin, great stuff about your Mom!
I have a few clients that age and I’m fascinated by their drive and curiosity for what’s next!
Life is precious and sometimes we take it for granted or don’t appreciate it. Thanks for the reminder to make the most of our moments……
Thanks for stopping by.
From what I know about you Rodeth, you’re very grateful for what you have.
Great post Steve and you’re absolutely correct. No one is guaranteed tomorrow or even later today so we need to find ways to flip the switch and go for what we want and hope for. I need to remind myself of that more often.
Well said Mitch.
Every day we’re reminded about the fragility of life.