Peter Lanza said that about his son Adam.
Such a terrible story, one can understand how he could say that, after all that happened. I read the New Yorker story and feel so sorry for the families - Peter Lanza and all the families of the victims and survivors. I looked for the magazine in a couple of stores this weekend, but it was sold out. I found the story online here.
Read it. It may help you understand why joking about taking people out and shooting them is not funny and is extremely inappropriate hyperbole.
Read it.
"I wish he'd never been born."
What caught my attention is the statement "I wish he'd never been born." I think I understand how and why Mr. Lanza could say that. Especially after reading the article, and of course, after learning the details of the massacre, and the innocents who were killed - I can understand. Yet it was that statement which prompted me to read the story.
It's a terrible thing to say.
I say that, because it reminded me how my mother used to say such things to me - "I wish you'd never been born." - she had undiagnosed mental illness - most likely bipolar, and she drank. Once she threatened to slash my throat with a kitchen knife. I never thought she meant it - but I never felt secure in my parent's home either. (My dad displayed life-threatening behavior as well.) As an adult, while they were still alive, I kept a distance from them, unable to understand why they insisted they wanted me to come home to visit or stop by. They truly never liked me - as a child I was a terrible burden for them. I was there when they died - and they died peacefully, thanks be to God - but I never really knew them.
Anyway.
Parents, love your kids - don't leave them alone - no matter what. Moms and dads - be good, be holy. Don't be unfaithful. Don't leave. Don't divorce. Don't hate your kids. Don't shirk your responsibility towards them. Love them. Sacrifice your self for them.
Art: Stefano Di Stasio
