While other people wonder how such violence could have happened in Littleton, it doesn't surprise me all that much. My experience in nearby Longmont, where the community is very similar to that in Littleton, has given me a little insight. Perhaps Littleton educators, therapists and parents who were in a position to notice and help two severely troubled teenagers weren't willing to take action. Perhaps they didn't want to listen to the pain cloaked in black rebellion. Tragically, more than a dozen of Columbine's promising stars may have paid for this possible oversight with their lives.
Bad things happen, even in the active pursuit of good.
But a friend once told me that when it comes to teenagers in trouble, it's better to err and care on the side of safety than to hesitate and watch disaster reign. Now, more than ever, I agree. Kelly Milner Halls is a single mother and full-time freelance writer. She contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Denver Post, Family Fun, Teen People, Boys Life, and Highlights for Children. All rights reserved.