I don’t want to write this and you don’t want to read it because it’s depressing as hell and there’s more than enough disturbing news to process. One can only take so much. The end result, we’re desensitized to school shootings. And the more desensitized we become, the more vexing the problem. A downward spiral that must delight the NRA.

I dig Bend, which I visit annually, the last time three weeks ago. Many, many fond memories, mostly of cycling with good friends. And I have acquaintances and friends in Bend who I immediately thought about.

This article left me even more hopeless about solving this problem.

Depressing point one being the most obvious. The tragic loss of such young lives, three students and a 25 year-old teacher who described her Silver Rail Elementary special education teaching job as her “dream job”. With another student and teacher in critical condition.

Depressing point two. The cluelessness and callousness the mother, who allegedly kept an AK-47 in her apartment, demonstrated by saying her “son was a good boy who she seriously missed”. Then saying she was sorry for the families losses had to be completely lost on them and everyone in the community.

And maybe most depressing of all, this quote from the article, describing the school parents’ mindset.

“Now they’re lining up for other ways to help: Meghan Standish, a stay-at-home mom in the neighborhood, said that when she went online to sign up for a meal train to help the family of Rhoam Summer, a 5-year-old killed in the shooting, every night until Christmas was booked.

Beyond looking to help, she was debating other plans as well.

‘I know a lot of friends are interested in getting their concealed carry permits after this,” Ms. Standish said. “I know I am.’”’

More guns. When does it end?