Thoughts on yesterday's events in Ottawa

Yesterday was indeed a shocking day for Canada.  A young solider standing guard at the War Memorial was shot from a very close distance.  This was followed by shots ringing out in the halls of Parliament only a few minutes later.  Watching the video shot in the centre block and hearing the shots ring through the halls was eerie.  Seeing photos of the solider on the ground being given CPR takes a part of your heart and just rings it.  In the end, the shooter was shot himself by the Sargeant at Arms in Parliament but the situation continues to hit home for me.

Touching editorial cartoon posted in The Herald depicting the soliders that went before him assisting Cpl. Nathan Cirillo (http://thechronicleherald.ca/editorial-cartoon/2014-10-23-editorial-cartoon)

I have heard "In Canada, we aren't used to this" and I would say we aren't.  In my opinion, no one should be 'used to' that kind of act and in the end I don't think anyone is.  I'm a social media nut and my Twitter and Facebook were plastered with thoughts, photos, etc. related to this incident.  There were photos and stories that brought sadness and shock (like those mentioned above or the photo of Cpl. Nathan Frank Cirrilo who was the solider shot) shortly followed by photos of solidarity and strength for Canada.  

Cpl. Nathan Cirillo - More than just a solider.

Now as Canadians, as a world, we are left with "What do we do?"  For me, it is a question of balancing the need/want to acknowledge what happened but also not allow this to change me or my behaviour so much that I begin to change how I live.  I feel that the people who do these acts are aiming for that - us to change our lives and live differently.  I feel that knowing they have had that impact on the lives of people in the country is what gives these extremists power.  

I also keep in mind a part of a psychology lecture I taught just a week ago on heuristics.  Heuristics are mental short cuts we use in making decisions and one of them is the the availability heuristic which says that how easily we can think of an event impacts our perception of how likely it is for that type of event to happen.  For this situation, it means that because this has happened and received so much attention, we are likely to 'assume' that these events are quite likely to happen.  It isn't the most accurate way to make decisions but it is what we have a tendency towards and I think, for me, knowing this helps.  It helps me keep in mind that as horrific as this event was, the likelihood of it happening again, while not impossible, is quite unlikely.  For myself, I need this information to help focus on moving forward and focus on all the good in this world.

These are my own thoughts and others can certainly feel differently.  From here, I will certainly think of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, his family and friends.  My thoughts are with all those who serve us (military, police, and other first responders).  And I will focus on all the good in the world.  There are so many people doing such fantastic things each and every day.  Unfortunately, even when they do get media time it is usually quite quick in relation to events such as this.  I need to keep this in mind.  

I am impressed by the response of people around the world to this event.  Canadians of course are coming together and showing support by flying flags half mast in their communities, posting photos of remembrance for Nathan Cirillo, creating hastags such as #Canadastrong, and photos meant to help us move forward.  One act I heard about last night especially stands out in my mind.  At the Pittsburgh Penguins home game, they sang the Canadian national anthem.  There were two US teams playing so this was done to show support for Canada only.  Very classy if you ask me.  To see this sign of solidarity, you can find the story here. 

Col. Chris Hadfield posted something on his Facebook page yesterday that really reasonated with me.

Well said Col. Hadfield!  Let's all pay tribute to those who keep us safe, those who were affected yesterday, and continue to be the Canada that makes us who we are.  Toques, poutine, friendliness, and support (especially for those closer to the situation).  Do what you need to pay tribute.  Take the time that you need to process all this.  And do what you need to move past it.