What school shootings do to the kids who survive them, from Sandy Hook to Uvalde

[frazzled]

4. It's heartbreaking, but it's not only those kids directly affected

It’s millions of kids across the country.

I learned this at close range just today. My son had tickets to a ball game tomorrow (Memorial Day). His two oldest girls have been begging all year to go to a game again this summer—a sort of annual tradition for an all-day outing with Daddy and Grandpa, and especially ice cream in those little plastic baseball caps. But when my husband called this morning to make plans, he learned that our older granddaughter was suddenly not wanting to go, so plans were on hold.

A call back a hour later explained the refusal: she was terrified of potential violence. She’s in second grade. Fortunately, her father was able to assure her she would be safe, so it’s back on for now.

I can only imagine how young kids, especially, all across the country are living in fear right now. It will hopefully subside. But for those who have been witnesses or injured, the terror will be lifelong. I hope they can get the care they need. The trauma for them is unimaginable.