I attended Vicki Kaspars funeral today. Im sure that Robert Butler Jr. had no idea of the sheer number of people and families that would be affected by his actions. She obviously touched many lives. Vickie was one of my wifes dearest friends and this has been a difficult week for our family.
I have played out what happened over and over in my mind hoping to learn something from this tragedy and how to prevent it happening again. And have come up empty. Like the tragedy in Arizona there is little defense from a lone gunman simply walking up to you and, without warning, shooting you. Only those around will have time to react and intervene.
I can say that the common thread between the two incidents is that someone with basic first aid skills, and the will to intervene and use them, can make a difference. If you havent already everyone reading this should seek out that training and make the decision that you will use it if needed.
To move on I will do the only things I can do. Which is to offer support to her family. Re-dedicate myself to training harder and to seek the knowlege of those that know more than me. Hone not only my physical skills but my mental ones. Then pass that knowlege to my family, friends and students.
Thanks for listening and be safe.
- Shawn
