|
|
|
|
|
Greg and Beththe political and personal musings of two
mountaineers living in west-central Florida
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
No Longer a Victim |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bethany Morris, 4/16/08 12:34:46 am |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As you may or may not know, I used to not be a fan of guns. I was under the never shot they seem scary category. It wasn’t until Greg one day unceremoniously brought home a "scary bayoneted long gun" I screeched, "What the hell are you doing?!" Well long story short I had to get over it. And more just kept showing up, so I finally demanded that I be taught how to shoot. At this point it was only a .22 rifle and a 12 gauge shot gun. I totally liked the shotgun better. But I hadn’t shot a handgun. Those were "scarier", and in my mind totally unnecessary.
Until one night changed my mind. Greg had owned a handgun at this point, and one night we hear screaming from next door. They boyfriend of the girl next door was trying to break into her house and harm her. He punched through the window and the glass on the door. He was on drugs and was going crazy. I called 911 and Greg went out side to help. He stood in our yard and made it clear that he had better stop and the cops were coming. He had his pistol holstered on his belt. It was the first time that I was really glad that Greg could protect himself, the girl next door, and me. The cops came quickly and Greg put his gun back in the house after they showed up and the bad guy was identified. Nothing happened really after that, but I turned around to the idea of self-defense.
I learned to shoot and pistol he has. And I hate it. There are others I like a lot better and I look forward to buying one my self in the future. I think I decided to join the Glock crew, because I can shoot it straight and with one hand, and it’s easy and reliable. But that’s not what this is about. This for me is about not being a victim anymore.
Unfortunately, in my life I have been the victim of sexual abuse and domestic violence. This takes away your willingness to fight for your life and know that your life is worth something. For many years I lived with the victim mentality of, I deserve what ever I get. Greg helped me turn this around. Shooting has given me a sense of courage and the willingness to fight for my life if need be. It’s helped me take that’s traumatized victim and turned me into someone who will say, “I will never be a victim ever again. My life is worth more than that.”
I actually carried concealed for the first time a few weeks ago. Greg let me use the smaller pistol. I was nervous, so we thought we’d try it out and go see a movie. I felt like I was going to stick out like a sore thumb so I put on like 3 layers of shirts. LOL But I did it. Even thought I thought everyone would know. But I did it. I made it through the movie, even though I kept checking to make sure it was in the holster right. Movie theaters are good for a first time carry. I’d recommend it.
I’ve also been reading about physical self-defense as well and now know how to get out of physical danger like a knife to the throat or car jacking. Poor Greg gets practiced on quite frequently. He gets flung off balance and practice punches to the throat and pelvis. He’s a good sport and knows that this is important to me. I’ve even practiced getting out of a headlock and drawing from a holster at the same time. But more importantly I’ve learned how to be aware of situations and listen to your gut. It was instilled in me as a child to always lock your doors and not park in unlit areas and have someone walk you to your car, be very careful if a van with no windows is parked next to you, etc. My mom didn’t even know she was teaching self-defense. I also learned some things I hadn’t thought of such as if you pull up to a red light always leave a full car length in front of you. And if you’re in a car accident, don’t get out of your car until you call the police. Some people rear-end others to get them out of the car and abduct them. Also that you have to be confident and aware. If someone if following you the best thing to do is turn around and confidently say, "CAN I HELP YOU?", or "DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM?" Awareness and confidence can stop a great deal of dangerous situations.
My whole outlook on life has really changed. I feel empowered. No one can hurt me ever again. I feel safe, secure, and confident. Guns healed my wounds in some way. Being a victim is hard. Living like one is even harder, but knowing that now you will fight will everything you have changes your life. I’m not scared any more. I’m not scared to be home alone any more. I’m not scared to be out at night by my self any more. It’s the first time in my life I know I can take care of myself. And absolutely nothing feels better than that. As my counselor told me I’ve gone from victim, to survivor, to thriver. Thank you 2nd amendment, you did more than years of therapy have done. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | [Comments are closed after a month.] |
|
|
|
|
|
| < "New Scattergun" | | "NOOOOOOOOOOO!" > |
|
|
|
|
Older entries
Blog RSS - Blog Comments RSS |
|
|
|
 |
|  |
|
|
© 2008 Gregory Morris
Notice: There are some areas of this website where everyone is permitted to post information.
(In this case, information is defined as anything you can paste/type into an html form.)
Do not post anything that cannot be legally put in the public domain.
I have the absolute power to remove/modify/edit anything that is posted on this site.
All original content on this website is owned solely by me, and cannot be redistributed without prior written consent.
All information on this website is provided with absolutely no warranty. [Privacy Policy]
|
|
Click Here for information about a
FREE introduction to firearms
safety and shooting.
|
|
Answers to the
Gun Control Questionnaire: |
Since this questionnaire began:
'A' was selected 11031 times.
'B' was selected 15360 times.
'C' was selected 2742 times.
'D' was selected 101299 times.
|
| Search:
|
Join The NRA!
Second Amendment Foundation
Ammo deals at Sportsman's Guide
|
