Shooting update

[ToddDH]

There is still no established motive for last evening's shooting that took the life of one of the most wonderful people I know and with whom I'd just spoken on the phone yesterday morning.

The Pawn business can be very dangerous, that is why everyone is armed. But my niece's husband's shop does not attract the type of people as many such businesses do. They have a completely different clientele than do most pawn businesses. There are few strangers and almost all are like friends and while customers can lose their shirts in such an industry, Lucky(DeAnna's husband) never allows people to get in over their heads by taking advantage, even though it's legal and that's really the name of the game. By being of such nature, he actually makes more money.

I'm just overburdened as this is the first Anniversary of Fran's death and I lost one of my best friends yesterday and for no reason that anyone can fathom. I went to bed intoxicated and crying and awoke this morning crying if sober.

The shooter himself was 64 years old and even was a preacher. Even the shooter's son can't figure out a motive. It's a tragedy all the way around but my concern at this point is not with the perp but with my and Larry's family. As I might have previously written he was really looking forward to he and his wife (Lou) spending a weekend with me. Now, as a result of truly senseleff and selfless act (the perp was probably tringy to commit suicide in the same manner as "suicide by cop" but didn't have the guts to do it himself and therefore cause a totally innocent man's death. Nevertheless if that his intent, Lucky tried everything he could at the time to fulfill that desire if indeed, such was the case.

Since I don't know the business, whenever I'm in the shop I am in the background watching for incidents such as the one that just occurred and I am well armed. That's the only thing I do, I don't wait on customers. While the store was crowded, I know in my heart I might well have been able to prevent Larry's death because I'm always in a position that I can see down the counter and can take one ste one way or the other to have a clear field of fire. At the very least, had I been there the shooter would never have left that store alive (although Lucky did manage to shoot the guy four times with a 40 caliber Glock through the window as we ran to his car) simply because my training is automatic even though I've been retired for sixteen years. Those of you in law enforcement know, especially if you know firearms instructors, it never leaves you.

Everyone who works in that shop I dearly love and Larry was especially one. The police told Lucky that he undoubtedly saved many lives even if the guy survives. I only thank God that the shooting had just ended as DeAnna returned from lunch. She saw a woman hunkered down by a car and DeAnna, finding that very unusual asked her if she could help her. The woman replied, "They're shooting in there!" DeAnna dropped the lunches, pulled out her own 9 mm automatic and with no thought for her own safety, hit the door. Her "man" as she refers to her husband was in there. It turns out that while DeAnna was holding Larry's head urging him to just focus on her, when the paramedics arrived he was still alive. As they rushed him to the ambulance out the door she asked one of them (she personally knows them all and actually drove for the Rescue Squad years ago) if he had a chance. The guy sadly shook his head, "no" and indeed Larry died on his way to the hospital.

Although I shouldn't beat myself to death over this incident, I nevertheless always shall. One of the first things I'm going to do after Larry is buried is obtain a carry permit and hangout in that shop as often as I can doing what I do best, provide free and truly meangful security to the customers and employees. Though "Vengence is mine" sayeth the Lord, I purposefully drank last night because I was having very strong and very dark thoughts of getting into my car, driving to Knoxville and booking paid to the shooter which of course, would have solved nothing and destroyed my own life. Although I know that was reflex behavior, the urge to do that was so strong, I made sure I couldn't drive.

I'm still somehow sorry I didn't and that makes me ashamed of myself.

[Trip]

This post was certainly a hard one to read. Knowing the depth of your pain, is hard for people who love you around here. Stand strong..I say this because I know you can, and, will. We are here for you, to use our collective support, to help you through the days ahead. xo

[LS80]

I agree with Trip 100%!!!!!



Sharon

[anniegb]

Trip said it so much better than I possibly could.

I read the post and immediately started to think how much worse can this get - I am lost for words.

Hang in there Todd - we are all thinking/pulling/praying for you.

Take care

Annie

[Moiraine]

Hang in there my friend. This is a double dose day for you. Larry and Fran. Lean on us Todd. We love you and are here for you.

[AR]

Unbelievable.

My strong instinct is that in spite of all that has gone on in the year, you should focus on being kind to yourself. In every way possible. Take the time to discover what forms that kindness can take.

But I have an overwhelming feeling that, hard as it may be, you will be best served if you step back, try to assess, and treat yourself gently despite the chaos. No one can take on all the troubles of the world, and no one is supposed to.

Let the vengeance go. It can only harm you.

All best.

[rayb]

Todd it is 3 PM Tuesday. I just read you thread. I am sorry for the loss.

However I have to agree with AR just above this writing. He is correct. Be yourself and let others be there's. Back off. Due to your health situation you must think first of yourself and let others take care of their problems.

I have been very busy and was not available when you called last night. I hae completed all the details as you know them. The rule that I quoted the last time I talked to you has be resolved. I am not completely please with the outcome but I can live with it. No need to spend money when I know that I cannot come out on top.

Will be talking to you later.

[skymaster]

I can only imagine how tough it is to do, but let the court system and God, take care of this guy. You take care of yourself! We're here if you need us, along with all the other GREAT folks here at CruiseMates.

Ken
"SKY",

[ToddDH]

I have made it through this day, the absolute most difficult in this life thus far.

I am not really a person of vengeance as much as I'd sometimes like to think I am. All I wanted to do last night was to take the life of the guy who senselessly killed one of the best friends (actually more like a brother) that I've ever had.

The shooter's son was on TV today and sent his heartfelt apologies for his father's actions to the family of Larry Snellings. That took some real guts.

Knowing Larry as I did, I'm absolutely certain he wouldn't want retribution. The whole situation, happening the day before the anniversary of my wife's death sent me over the edge. The killing was absolutely senseless, with no motive which illustrates how mentally ill the shooter was. Even his own wife grabbed their grandchild and ran out of the house to call 911 when he returned home with enough lead in him to sink a small boat. If he survives, he'll have to face as The Hebrew National Franks commercial says, "A higher Authority."

If it weren't for you folks, I honestly don't know what I would have done, I was so distraught. Maybe I shouldn't share such things but to me you're all family and so I elected to do so and as is always the case, you came through big time.

Adelaide (Fran's niece) told me she has renewed the on line memorial for Fran for another year and probably will make it permanent.

As is a bit obvious, while I was in the most violent of a violent profession, I nevertheless, "Love to love." the tears are streaming down my face as I write this post but they're tears of love for all of you. I wish I were a multi-millionaire just so I could show to each of you, how much I love you. But alas, you'll have to settle for words.

I've learned that words can destroy but they also can build. I love you all more than any of you could possibly know.

Thank you, God Bless and I ask that those of you who do pray, please remember the name Larry Snellings in your prayers tonight.

May God Bless each and everyone of you and may you be touched by his presence.

With unmitigated love,

[Trip]

Todd, I just watched the video from channel 6,and you can see how Larry's life touched many. The serviceman really stepped up to first, try to save his life, the go after the shooter. His loss is like a pebble in a pond, the ripple effect of his loss,is felt far and wide, even from strangers like us.

The timing of your loss of Larry, and, the anniversary of Fran's passing is alot for you to shoulder. Add to that, your recent health issues,and understandably you are fragile.Take time to take care of Todd..xo

[Henry43]

Todd ,I find myself at a loss for words .All I can say is to hang in there .

[Moiraine]

Hang on Todd. Love you much.