Not at my mall

The unthinkable happened today around 1:42pm. There was a shooting at my mall. The mall that is right by where I work, the mall I go to at least once a week during my lunch. The mall I was at the day after Thanksgiving. The mall I was at on Sunday. The mall I thought about going to today until I decided to read my book instead. There are nine people dead, including the shooter. I might know someone that was hurt. My high school English teacher worked at Von Maur in the customer service department. I saw him about four years ago when he helped me return an item. We talked about the old days. He was the drama teacher and cast me in On Golden Pond my senior year to give me a chance because in all honesty, I couldn't act my way out of a paper bag. I thought I heard his name on TV. The TV station cut off the lady when she started naming names because family needed to be notified. I thought I heard his name. I thought I heard his name. They haven't released any names. I really want to know. I need to know.

The first I knew about the shooting was when my friend called because she knew I went there all the time. I then called my friend that I usually go there with. She was safe at work. I had turned my phone off on accident and when I looked at it later, I noticed my dh had tried to call me three times. Then my office phone started ringing. He couldn't get a hold of me and was freaking out. I don't blame him. I would have too. Then my mom called and then my mother-in-law. It's nice to know that people care.

I'm praying for the people who were hurt and for the families of those who passed on. I'm praying for the family and friends of the shooter. Sometimes people forget about them. They are suffering too.

I just heard that a 61 year old man just got out of surgery. I think that might be my old teacher. A news conference is getting ready to start. I wondering if there will be any new news. I get frustrated with the news people who ask the same questions over and over.

When something like this happens, it makes you really think about what is important. Like family and friends.

My friend from Denver just called. She said that she knew that she would see me in less than 48 hours but she was watching CNN and had to call. I'm glad she did.

There's nothing more for me to say right now. All I can do is watch the news.

Call your family, call a friend you haven't talked to in a while. Life is precious.