Recent Shooting

Update: I guess this wasn't a domestic dispute. This guy hates women. He had not had a date in 17 years and no sex in 19 years. He had been planning a mass killing of women for some time. This type of thing makes me so nervous to have a young, beautiful daughter in the world. http://georgesodini.com/20090804.htm I don't know what to think of his actions or his thoughts. Clearly, he was the result of bullying. Before knowing this information today, Kelly and I were discussing bullying and what it can do to the psyche of a person. She asked what about those who kill and were not bullied. We determined that they were just psychotic.

I bring the bullying up because recently Cameron has been a multiple victim of bullying. This makes me sad because I have not raised him to be a bully. I have taught him that when another child bullys him to tell their parents but do not retaliate. His ODD nature impels him to speak out and discuss retribution quickly. I have to spend a good amount of time talking him down. The most recent act of bullying was younger children throwing rocks at him. When he told the mother she responded that "the kids don't listen to her or their stepdad." What kind of response is that? Cameron knows not to show any form of control or force over younger children. He is incredibly kind and considerate to younger children. The same parents even commented that Cameron was the most well mannered child they knew. So why would they allow their own children to try to bully that kindness out of him? Other kids have tried to force my child to smoke cigarettes and even cornered him demanding that he kiss them for his freedom. I don't want to be the mom to keep my son locked in the house. He needs the fresh air and socialization to be a well-rounded young man. Coddled boys have a hard time later in life. I don't want that for him. I also don't want him fighting or turning his lack of control from bullying out on animals or others in the future as we so often see. He told me yesterday that the younger children apologized and they are friends again. I have decided to let him play with them again as it's what he wants. I know that sometimes kids fight and make up. It's a natural cycle. This seems so off-topic, but if you read the suspect's blog, you will see my concerns about my son being the victim of bullying and my feelings.

Yes, the shooting being mentioned on the news channels occurred .56 miles from our house.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090805/ap_on_re_us/us_health_club_shooting

Just after 8, a slew of police cars from a variety of townships, boroughs and the city and county flew by our house with sirens and lights blazing. Soon to be followed by emergency vehicles and an Allegheny County Command Center. Glenn was taking out the garbage and someone mentioned that there had been a shooting and the gunman was on the loose. We locked our house, but my nebby husband and son kept wandering out to our walled in porch to watch the action out the window.

CBS/KDKA broke into programming to let us know what was going on. They also pre-empted all prime time tv from 9-11 and the local news was 90% coverage of the scene. The families of the 6 souls lost are in our prayers.

The volunteer fire department where the police are meeting with witnesses and families is literally around the corner from my house. There is a train trussel in front of my house that blocks my view or I would be able to see all the "happenings." It sounds like the helicopters have finally gone home for the night.

We are all fine. Kelly reconnected with her ex, Jake last night so she had gone to his house after work today. When he moved back from Nebraska over the weekend, he moved to Bridgeville as his mom had relocated here a few months ago. He lives about 1 mile on the other side of her employer. I called her and made sure she knew to lock up and stay in his house. His parents drove her home, before curfew, so I knew she was safe.

Kelly reconnecting with Jake was not exactly our dream scenario, but he encourages her to complete her schooling and follow our rules. I think now that he's returned, if I can manage to lay low, she'll stay and finish high school.

Cameron is rocking on school so far. He completed one day of Language Arts and all of his "getting started" assignments for each of his classes. He's enjoying his laptop computer. We had him fitted for the tux for Keith's wedding last night when we picked up Glenn's new suit. The recommended a size 14 jacket and large vest. The 12 jacket fit his shoulders, but he's got a bit of a belly that requires a 14. He looked so darling. I forgot the camera or I would have posted some pics. I'll be sure to get some at the wedding. Cameron loved to dress up in the past. I hope he still does. I only saw him in part of the tux, but imagining him in the full tux brought a tear to my eye. Before I know it, he'll be getting fitted for his prom tux, then his wedding. Of course, I don't want either of my kids to rush into weddings. I married at 20 and 28. 20 was waaaaay too young. I keep encouraging Kelly to wait til she's in her mid 20's to marry and late 20's to have kids. Glenn and I would like a few years with no kids before we become grandparents.