June 2, 2025
Since I attended the Bereaved Mothers’ Day Brunch several weeks ago, I’ve been quite busy. I still break down and cry more often than not, but the past several weeks have been better. I’m still learning how to navigate my life without John.
I believe that God has a way of preparing some people for what’s to come without them even realizing it. I mention this because the year before his murder, John seemed to distance himself from us—not due to any disagreements or issues, but because he wanted to prove to himself that he could make it on his own. As a result, his visits and phone calls became less frequent. I didn’t crowd him because I knew he wanted his space to spread his wings.
As I began to adjust to his absence, I found some comfort in knowing that he was always only a phone call or text away if I wanted to check on him or hear his voice. Unfortunately, I can no longer reach out to him because he is gone for good.
Promises, Promises
I am determined to honor the promises I made to John, keeping them at the forefront of my mind. In addition to becoming a member of Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children, I have also joined “Moms Demand Action.”
Moms Demand Action is a grassroots organization that advocates for public safety measures to prevent gun violence. The organization works towards stronger gun laws and aims to close loopholes that could compromise safety.
I joined this organization just in time for “Wear Orange Weekend,” which will take place this year from June 6 to 8. This weekend, we will honor the survivors of gun violence, remember those whose lives were senselessly taken, and stand together in solidarity against this preventable crisis.
I get emotional just thinking about this weekend.
Why We Wear Orange?
The following is a post on the Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Facebook page explaining why we wear orange.
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
On January 21, 2013, Hadiya Pendleton, a high school student from the South Side of Chicago, marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade. One week later, Hadiya was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago. She was only 15 years old.
Soon after Hadiya’s death, her friends commemorated her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves. In June 2015, a broad coalition asked people nationwide to join what Hadiya’s friends started for the first annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day. This year, we #WearOrange again to call attention to our nation’s gun violence crisis and honor victims and survivors of gun violence.
Today, Hadiya should have turned 28. We honor her and all whose lives have been taken or forever changed by gun violence. Wear orange and share your picture on social media with the #WearOrange hashtag on June 6, National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Then, on June 6-8, join a Wear Orange Weekend event.
This is 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton. Her senseless death inspired the Wear Orange campaign to bring awareness to our nation’s preventable gun violence crisis.
Wear Orange Weekend
As mentioned earlier, I will be participating in several Wear Orange activities from June 6-8, including the “Walk For Peace” on June 7th.
My Wear Orange package arrived just in time, and I’m ready! John’s presence will be acknowledged in a meaningful way. Every family member who joins me will proudly wear a button featuring John’s image over their hearts. I will also wear John’s favorite hat, keeping a physical piece of him with me whenever I participate in MOMCC and Moms Demand Action events, especially during this Walk for Peace.
John was all about promoting peace.
I hope I’m making him proud.
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