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I had two close calls in college. Both of which I got away from by my feet (running like ad to a populated area). Scared me, and I took 2 karate classes and a women's self defense course. That was good, taught me the best areas to ht in a fight and taught me situational awareness. It taught me how to fall and land on my feet. So I stayed safer for about 9 years by situational awareness, luck, and avoiding situations where I might be at risk.

Then one day I was walking with my kids in a local park. I had a baby in a sling and two children in stroller. As I got to the middle of the walking trail a shady character passed by me and gave me a VERY unsettling look. Nothing happened, but in that moment I realized just how vulnerable my children and I were. If he attacks me I could not run, nor with three kids could I fight. That started the ball rolling. A few weeks later my DH was away for the night. As always I heard noises in the night and I wished for Chris. It then occurred to me if someone wanted to hurt me even if Chris was home, if the intruder was armed Chris would be willing to die to protect the kids and me, but then what? What topped it off was the killing of the family in Conneticut. She got word to the police, and they were outside her house as she and her daughters died at the hands of two madmen.

That was it, that was not going to happen to me and mine. Both my DH and I got our CHL (open carry is legal in VA, but I like options). We got a glock 36 , .45 caliber suitable for home defense and CC. We are now looking at getting a .9mn (thinking of a Karh CM 9, for me because I have had some trouble carrying the glock and both Chris and I want to be armed at the same time. Eventually (as soon as financially feasible) I want a shotty for home defense and a .22 rifle.

That is my story. I have learned so much along the way. Having a gun, carrying, and thinking about all the angles that go with it has made me a better person, a better mom, and a better citizen.