It felt weird. There was tension. Some teachers, students and parents wanted to move on. Others wanted to keep exploring the emotional damage. Now she's happily at home with Mallory, 2.
Mom likes it, too.
She recently calmed a squirming Mallory in her lap, satisfied an inquisitive Elise with convincing answers and continued an adult phone conversation with the skill of a Ringling Brothers juggler. Feeling stronger, more herself, Nielson recently went to Washington to endorse proposed federal legislation requiring background checks for gun buyers, safety locks and restrictions on automatic weapons. In May, Nielson finishes her master's in education with an emphasis on creative arts and learning. She's uncertain what to do with it. Columbine wants her back.