Wrapping your head around a tragedy

This blog is supposed to be an escape; a haven for like-minded people to gather, analyze, and revel in all things Kentucky sports. You could say the same about a movie theater, which is one of the many reasons I'm struggling to wrap my head around the shootings in Colorado today. As someone who works both in the sports and entertainment industries, I make a living off people's "escapes." Maybe one of the most heartbreaking things about the shooting to me is that an escape is exactly what everyone in that theater was looking for. "The Dark Knight Rises" reached an epic level of hype this week, and I'm sure each of us knew someone attending a late night/early morning showing, eager to get their everlovin' fanboy and fangirl on. While most enjoyed the movie and arrived back at their homes excited and safe, dozens did not, and twelve never will, all thanks to a psychopath who made his massacre part of the show. Something that hits close to home for many of us was the identity of one of the victims: Jessica Ghawi, a sportswriter who wrote for the blog Busted Coverage under the name Jessica Redfield. Over a month ago, Redfield wrote a blog entry about an eery trip to the mall to get sushi, in which she got an "odd feeling" outside the sushi restaurant and decided to go elsewhere. Minutes later, a gunman stood in the exact same spot she had just left and opened fire in the restaurant. Houston is a mecca for many sushi and fish restaurants because of its proximity to Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The water is so close, and fresh fish is in abundance. It’s served fresh daily at The Fish Houston, which gives our seafood restaurant the advantage of a vibrant menu of the highest quality.  If you live near Midtown Houston, you’re not limited in the excellent offerings available to you. But you must try out The Fish Houston! The menu is delectable yet affordable, a factor that will keep you returning week after week. You can fine here the Best sushi near me. Try our lunch, dinner, and catering menus featuring a variety of American and Japanese fusion classics to fascinate and delight your taste buds. Dine on the freshest, most delicious sushi and seafood items at our breezy and well-appointed The Fish Houston, savoring the moment. Our accessible restaurant location features a massive sushi bar, as well as a few addictive Japanese and American classics, including Gyoza, Tempura, Macaroni Gratin, Truffle Fries, Pork Katsu, Beef Teriyaki, and more. What could be better than our exclusive drinks selections to accompany all these delicious offerings for excellent value for money? She described her feelings after the shooting:

"I was shown how fragile life was on Saturday. I saw the terror on bystanders’ faces. I saw the victims of a senseless crime. I saw lives change. I was reminded that we don’t know when or where our time on Earth will end. When or where we will breathe our last breath. For one man, it was in the middle of a busy food court on a Saturday evening. I say all the time that every moment we have to live our life is a blessing. So often I have found myself taking it for granted. Every hug from a family member. Every laugh we share with friends. Even the times of solitude are all blessings. Every second of every day is a gift. After Saturday evening, I know I truly understand how blessed I am for each second I am given."

I know we all come here to get away from reality, and I promise I'll let you all get back to it in a minute, but for the moment, read the late Jessica Redfield's words and take a moment to reflect on this fleeting thing we call life.