Why I Carry

I've been asked by a friend to participate in #goodguywithagun posts.
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I recently got my Conceal Carry Permit, and thought I'd explain why I am going to start carrying a firearm.
I'll share two experiences where my safety was endangered and I hated feeling helpless. Before I begin, I will say that I support common sense gun laws such as keeping them out of the hands of felons, those convicted of domestic violence, and the severely mentally ill. Especially as a survivor of a such a sick individuals abuse.
--When I was 18, I was driving a 2-door 1992 Chevy Lumina. It frequently had broken door handles.
I parked in the employee/side parking lot of the Page Walmart late one night and went in to shop. When I came out, I noticed several officers in the parking lot, a few walking around with their guns drawn. They appeared to be looking for someone. I got in my car by climbing through the passenger door and across the front seat, as the driver door handle was broken. Just as I went to start the engine, a rattling noise came to my left. I looked over, and found myself face to face with a man in a dark sweater who, glaring at me, was furiously trying to open my driver's door. I knew he planned to hurt me and escape the police in my vehicle. Thank God that handle was broken... as I was unarmed. I put it in reverse and sped out of my spot quickly.
--Last summer, my mom, my boys, and I were on our way home from my 3 year scar analysis on my cesarean scar at a hospital 3 hours away. An hour from home, we stopped at our favorite fast food joint in Kanab. We waited for food for 25 minutes, just sitting at our table. A group of 4 men came in and took the table closest to us. Young Hispanic, Older Hispanic, two middle aged white guys. I first became uncomfortable when I began catching the older man staring at Noah, then age 4. He'd type furiously on his smart phone, then resume staring. At one point, I saw him take photos of my boy. He was laughing with the other men, who were all talking in Spanish. He nod-pointed at Noah more than once. My mom's back was turned to all of them, so she didn't really know what was going on-- but she leaned forward to me and whispered
"I think we need to get out of here." So we each scooped up the boys and got in the car. As we were buckling the kids, one of the men stepped outside for a smoke break and was watching us. We drove to the police department.
Those were just two of many experiences as a single mom, a domestic violence survivor, and someone who travels a lot alone where I wished I had a gun and I didn't.
I carry to protect myself, my boys, or anyone vulnerable.
I carry so that I can teach my children about firearms, eliminate mystery or curiosity, and give them a healthy understanding about weapons so that they know exactly what to do if they come across one.
I carry because threats have been made against mine and my family's well-being, and I have no cause to believe that those threats aren't still in place.
I carry because I won't leave this life hiding in a corner afraid during a public shooting.
If you're a mom of small children and want to research how to carry safely and give your children a healthy understanding about weapons, I highly recommend getting started with the Facebook group Sheepdog Mamas.
If you carry, please keep this going. Tell us why.