It happened again last Wednesday.  A shooting at a school in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

            Two students died.  As of Monday, 18 students were listed as injured as were three adults who were attending Mass.  The shooter took their own life after they unleashed this tragedy at the Annunciation Catholic Church.

            Why did this happen? 

            We know how, but if we can corner the "why" maybe we can bring a stop to it.  We need to learn what signs people may send out before tragedies like this happen.  We must pay more attention to those who may be crying for help through their anger and actions before it is too late.

            Knowing the signs is just one aspect.  What do you do when you suspect that someone is in need of help?  Mental health can be a blessing or a culprit.  Unlike pure hate, a person with mental or emotional issues may not be in control of all of their actions. 

            A person who hates can stop hating; a person who needs help to control their thoughts, emotions, and hate must be helped.

            It may take a friend, relative, or co-worker to make a difference.  How do you, as that friend, relative, or co-worker, go about making that difference?

            Many fear they may be wrong in their opinions, but how do you know?  If you don't talk about it, you may carry that guilt with you the rest of your life if a tragedy occurs that is caused by your silence or fear.

            Don't ignore warning signs, fearing that noticing them might be politically incorrect.

            Seek out a professional (medical, religious, or other) that you can speak confidentially to.  Confidentiality is a must.  False information could ruin a person.

            There are many "Help" organizations out there.  Seek them out.

            Those you are concerned about will get help if needed. 

            But know that you were there for them.