True stories with a twist!

TRAGEDY WITH THE GIFTS

17 11 18

It was a Monday. I was at the Short Hills Mall, looking forward to my computer class at the Apple Store. The Apple Store is located inside the mall, somewhere between Papyrus Paper and Macy’s. My class was about using the iPhone’s camera. Just in time for the holidays; one of the rare times everyone would be together in one place at the same time. I was not going to miss the photo opportunity I expected to have.

As I walked through the mall I had an uncomfortable feeling: the memory of a horrific crime that took place right here in December, 2013: close to this time of year.

‘Stay with me!’: New Jersey widow recalls husband’s murder amid Short Hills mall carjacking

BY NANCY DILLON New York Daily News New York

It was a strange feeling to walk the same steps that the victim and his wife walked that day. Every person who drove a car to the mall that day had to have parked their cars in the same parking lot as the victim did. That tragedy could have happened to any of us! The couple was unsuspecting, as I was today, as everyone there was. There was no warning about what was about to happen.

How accustomed we once were to feel safe in public places; how lucky to feel confident enough to make that assumption. When I think of all the times I’ve heard people say,” I never though such a thing could happen here. Not in this neighborhood,” I realize that now such a statement sounds foolish.

There is no place and no neighborhood impervious to crime.

People living in gated communities may feel safe and think they actually are. But do they ever consider the number of maintenance workers with access to those communities? Are the workers all screened? Does anybody know who they are? There is no lack of people who commit crimes. And no shortage of easily purchased guns.

Too many killings have taken place recently. Gun violence is no longer a new concept, or a concept that existed only back in the days of the Wild West. The world has become a frightening place to navigate.

I offer no brilliant solutions to the many problems our society faces. But I can hope that you and everyone you love and care about have safe comings and goings this holiday season and forever after.

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Comments on: "TRAGEDY WITH THE GIFTS" (8)

cyclingrandma said:

2017/11/19 at 12:47 pm

I too think of that tragic event when I’m at the SH mall. Very scary times and if we continue to allow guns to all it will sadly continue.
- morristownmemos by Ronnie Hammer said:
  
  2017/11/19 at 5:35 pm
  
  Yes, Lisa. More sad news like this will be coming again, I’m afraid.
Andrew Reynolds said:

2017/11/19 at 12:19 am

This things are just tragic and the memory never leaves.
- morristownmemos by Ronnie Hammer said:
  
  2017/11/19 at 4:00 am
  
  No, the memory never leaves. And if you are merely a bystander (rather than an unwilling participant,) fear can develop that you never had before.
Louise Gallagher said:

2017/11/18 at 10:44 pm

I used to think (smugly) that here in Canada, this kind of thing didn’t happen.

I am no longer smug.

Have a safe and happy holiday has so much poignancy — because ‘safe’ never used to be part of the greeting. And now it is.

Hugs
- morristownmemos by Ronnie Hammer said:
  
  2017/11/19 at 4:01 am
  
  I am sorry that lovely Canada lives with the same worries and fears as we in the United States do.
The Coastal Crone said:

2017/11/18 at 9:39 pm

It can happen anywhere. Even in church on a Sunday morning. My you have a safe and happy holiday!
- morristownmemos by Ronnie Hammer said:
  
  2017/11/19 at 4:04 am
  
  You are absolutely right! I wish you a safe and happy holiday too!