This post will in no way be original or clever. This is likely to be a rehash of content found on news sites and blogs across the net today but the topic simply cannot be avoided given the circumstances.
Most of my readers will know by now that a gunman shot and killed five bystanders before himself being killed by off-duty police officer, Ken Hammond, in a mall just a few minutes from my where I am in Salt Lake City, Utah. The shooter, 18 year-old Sulejmen Talovic, also wounded four others.
My heart and thoughts are consumed with emotion for the victims and their families today.
Killed:
Jeffrey Walker (52)
Vanessa Quinn (28)
Kirsten Hinckley (15)
Teresa Ellis (28)
Brad Franz (24)
Wounded:
Carolyn Tuft (44)
Stacy Hanson (53)
Shawn Munns (34)
Alan Jeffery Walker (16)
Kirsten Hinckley will never even get the chance to go to her senior prom, argue with her mother, Carolyn Tuft (injured) over her major, or stress about which scholarship to take.
Allen Walker will also never get the wedding night talk from his dad. His father, Jeffrey is now dead.
And while we know who killed them, the sad part of this story is that these are really victims of dumb luck. There is no rhyme or reason, no special purpose or great and noble cause their families can look to for solace. They were not killed by some enemy whose motives can be explored and reasoned with. They were simply expended... just because.
Filed under - MiscI just re-read what I wrote and understand why I haven't written on this. I am trying to imply a connection with the place and how now that connection is soured. My associations are with good times--in particular with one particular woman I still love dearly, but no longer can.
It is kind of like somebody shooting up Disneyland, if you want a comparison.
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http://www.signifyingnothing.com/clint
I can't say enough good things about Trolley Square. Trolley Square is a place where I would take out of town guests, to see what our city is really like. I can't think of a time where I've ever been unhappy while being there. I plan on keeping my memories alive and vibrant.
My heart is still aching.
My heart goes out to the victims and their families, and to those of you who have been personally affected by this senseless tragedy. I'm struck by the age of the shooter...how sick and sad it all is!
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I started to write a post about this today, but it just seemed a bit too unimportant. Good old Trolley has a lot of fond memories for me. I don't know how many dates I've had at Trolley and how many times I've taken the girl I liked so much there.
There is one particular memory of dancing without music in the rain right where two people were killed that shakes me to the core.
I'm just sickened by the whole affair and feel for the families who have to associate the place in a horrible way now.
I'm just sick about it: talk about having nightmares. I dreamed of being there last night. The clincher was when I read about the couple out buying Valentines Day gifts.
Oy.
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http://www.signifyingnothing.com/clint