By JANELLE STOIKES | Norwalk
Soon we will have an anniversary that brings no joy, but rather a parent’s worst nightmare — the death of a child. May 21 will be a year from the day that the Ferries family lost their son, Logan Riley Ferries. He was a such great kid. You couldn’t be in Logan’s presence without a smile on your face. Always ready and willing to help with anything, he loved farming and the outdoors. He was a true country boy.
Logan was killed in a tragic hunting incident 10 days after his 17th birthday. It was devastating for the families involved, his friends, many people in our community, and the students and staff of Brookwood.
I am writing today not to argue about gun control, but to take the time to speak about gun safety.
The Second Amendment is more than a right to bear arms; it also comes with great responsibility.
Guns, hunting, target shooting are the norm here. Most of us grew up looking forward to our first hunt, joining clubs like 4-H for shooting sports, and most have guns in their homes. I feel like they’ve become such a part of our society that we often forget the danger of guns and what it means to own one.
There are basic rules that we all learn in hunter’s safety.
1. Treat all guns as if they were loaded.
2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target (and you have made the decision to shoot).
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
5. Keep your gun in a safe place.
Gun locks are $17, gun safes are $100, and the life of a child is priceless.
Logan’s death was avoidable. It wasn’t Logan’s “time to go,” he’s not “in a better place,” and God did not “call him home.” His home is here with his family and friends. On May 11, Logan and his twin Chase will turn 18. Now a twin and his family will face it without him, but it won’t stop us from celebrating and remembering him. On Friday, May 25, he could have been graduating with his senior classmates. He had his whole life ahead of him.
As parents, we all want the best for our kids, so let’s give them our best, too. On May 21, I ask for parents to talk to your kids (1,300-plus children were killed by guns last year, and many more were injured) and for everyone to keep the Ferries family in your thoughts and prayers.