To the editor,
In the wake of the recent tragedy in Connecticut, I do hope we can learn something.
I believe we tend to get so caught up in whatever it is we are doing that we miss the big picture of what is happening. We are not communicating with each other enough. For many, the quality of our communication has decreased tremendously. We need to address our conflicts and talk them out until they are resolved. We need to let go of our grudges that prevent good feelings.
And for those who have special needs, we need to make sure they get the special training they need to more fully understand how to cope with the challenges that everyone faces at times in their lives. We need mentors, coaches and people who care to assist those who need the extra help in getting through their problems.
I don’t know anything about Native American culture, but the term “elders” seems to be very calming to me and I believe our communities need to pull together to form a support system that, in my mind, would include people like elders who we can go to for help in objectively and very thoughtfully working through our issues, fears and troubles.
One week before this terrible killing spree occurred I had begun looking for a location to set up what I am calling “Communication Corner,” which I envision as a small space that people can come, have coffee and talk over their concerns. I am not a psychologist, but I have had over 30 years of experience and training in child development, mental health and communication. I think I fall into the category of someone who can help. I believe there are many more of us out there who could offer assistance to those in need. I think we are often too quick to react and so we misjudge the intentions of others. This leads to labeling people as mean, uncaring, harsh, etc., when in reality they are probably struggling with demons that they have never been able to talk with caring people about to try and come to peace with.
We can all do our part to show kindness, forgiveness, assistance and caring to the people in our community. This can go a long way in decreasing the hatred, confusion, fear and feelings of isolation that way too many people experience on a daily basis, which too often results in violence that we are seeing in our world. It is time to stop, observe, cut back on our electronics and increase our face-to-face time with each and every person in our community.
Roxanne Skogstad-Ditsch
International Falls, MN
