Tonight my mom hosted an event at her office with Vickie Walker, a strong woman who lost her husband in the Trolley Square shooting five years ago. Her son was also injured.
She talked about how just days after the shooting, she resolved to find joy in every day. It was about the little things at first. Now she is working to help other victims of violent crimes. They are preparing little cans of candy to give to victims. Each can has a charm attached and information on what to do during the first few days after a traumatic event, like a sexual assault. I thought of my 3-years on San Diego’s SART. How many times did I woefully hand the victim a stack of papers she would never read, hoping to help but worrying that I was just creating problems.
You hope that you can turn traumatic life moments into something positive. But hearing someone do it — that’s inspiration. She shared this quote by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.
I just found it so profound.
Luckily, I heard Vickie speak after I attempted to listen to the GOP debate and listened to the way the candidates talked about women, sex education and birth control. Can not handle it. Just can’t.
I absolutely love this. What a great idea to break things down into simple and essential steps to take after something happens.
I love that little kit – it’s got the basics in an easy to understand way and is easily digestible. It’s wonderful that she’s able to help other victims after having that happen in her life.
That kit is AHmazing.
What a woman.