Three years ago, I moved out of my Seattle comfort zone, an hour drive south to the town of Gig Harbor. I really thought I would literally die of boredom. My whole life seemed to move in slow motion and the adjustment to less 'culture' was enough to make me question my
insanity. But I was a new mother, in a new relationship and when everything was laid out on the table, making the move out of Seattle made the most sense.
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| Isn't she lovely? Maybe not. |
For three years, I have pined away for my beloved Seattle, taking frequent trips north just to get my fix. But something has shifted in the 'culture' of Seattle since my absence, causing me to wonder if I should be missing her at all. The recent uprising in gun related violence has a city literally running scared. Yesterday, a mother of two was gunned down for absolutely no reason whatsoever. Innocent patrons at a U District coffee shop were also murdered. Not to mention, a string of drive-by shootings, killing of police officers, and numerous other gun related violent incidents within the last two years. 20 homicides in 2011 and another 20 homicides already this year. Even more perplexing is the shootings are often being blamed on the gunmen suffering from lifelong mental health issues, often times with a friend or family member being quoted as 'not surprised' their acquaintance went off the rails.
After yesterday's shootings, a jogger was interviewed after being seen out for his daily run with a gun strapped to his side. Another mentally ill potential gunmen? Not so, says the jogger. He simply doesn't feel safe on the streets of Seattle any longer unless he has his gun with him. Exactly when did we become a city packing heat? The crazies are making us crazy!
For the first time in three years, I don't miss Seattle. When I look at the innocent face of my beautiful little boy and think of all my fears and worries just in being his mother, I'm so glad I don't need to add 'purchase gun to protect family' to my list. I just hope Seattle figures out a way to get control and take back our incredible city before more residents pack up and move out.
