This weekend, I was in LA with my cousins. We were celebrating the Lunar New Year with our own version of homemade dumplings and noodles. We were thrilled to be in each other’s company, sharing jokes, running after giggling children and catching up.
Meanwhile, 8 miles east, 11 people were killed at a celebration that was meant for joy and dancing.
While Asian communities around the world were welcoming in a new year, hoping for peace and prosperity, we got the most American of traditions: another mass shooting.
I’m tired.
Tired of another empty display of sorrow, only to have the same thing happen again.
Tired of another news report announcing deaths of innocent people who were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Tired of being afraid to walk down the street, go into a school, go to a movie theater, take the subway or go to a ballroom dance hall.
Tired of being sad about dead sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, cousins and friends.
When does it end?
If insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome, then America is certifiable.
Friends, I’m sorry this isn’t the upbeat message I usually send, but this is what is on my heart right now. Heavy, sorrowful and despairing.
If you’d like to join me in donating, feel free to do so here.
I just don’t know what to say anymore.