United by grief as two more police officers are shot dead

and the rest of the Canada weeps in despair.  What is happening to our society?  Many questions with no answers. Yesterday in Fredricton NB another shooting, was again a reminder of the dangers our police officers face everywhere and everyday.

“Canadians lost four people in the shooting; Const. Lawrence Robert Costello, 45, and Const. Sara Mae Helen Burns, 43, Donald Adam Robichaud, 42, and Bobbie Lee Wright, 32.”

Families are devastated. As a retired police officer, as a woman, as a mother, as a daughter as a friend everyone is affected by this tragedy.

Trying not to get lost in the despair and sadness was and is challenging.

I was thankful for my loving partner and the invitation for a boat ride. A diverson from the sadness and shock.  The memories of friends who died.  Part of the journey for people and especially those living with PTSD is knowing how to take care of yourself, your mental health by creating a self care tool kit. I know exactly what to do when feeling stressed, so that I don’t sink into those depths of despair.

The constant news last night, on every station, of another shooting can be triggering, knowing how to side step the pain with ‘fun’ can be a life saver. Everyone will have or needs to create their own tool kit that fits.

We are united by grief in the loss of four beautiful souls. Yet also united by courage in support for the families, friends, fellow officers and the community of Fredriction.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/fredericton-police-force-shooting-1.4782007