Don't Mess With Mama

     In perhaps an odd choice for a suburban mom/elementary school teacher, I recently accepted my husband's invitation and joined him in a class to get our concealed carry licenses. Yes, guns. My husband has always had interesting choices for date nights. Our first date ever was ghost hunting, but that's another story.

     We signed up for a ten hour class with DFW Shooters, taught by a very calm and patient man named Travis Bond. Far, far more calm and patient than I would be if faced with 22 strangers packing heat. He did an excellent job of talking us through gun safety and the responsibilities of carrying a weapon of any kind.

     I grew up with a dad who is a hunter and former Navy guy, so it was no big deal to see guns in the house. Dad is very aware of his guns and not once do I ever remember seeing a weapon sitting around waiting for trouble. We were taught to let them alone. In my early 20s, during my broadcasting days, an old boyfriend took me to the country to make sure I could shoot due to a problem with a stalker. I proved I could shoot and kept a gun with me for a while until the incidents ended.

     But some time after that, after my children were born, I had a vivid dream about guns and death. Maybe it was the hormones, and after that I wanted nothing to do with guns. Did not want to shoot a gun. And other than Duck Hunt or Wii, that's how it stayed for years.

     Meanwhile, hubby has no problem with guns. He's former military, from a military family, and goes on WWII reenactments. He especially enjoys guns from the WWII era. Over the years he had convinced me to at least keep a gun close by if he went out of town. When he asked if I wanted to take the CHL class with him, I thought it might be good to have some idea about what I would do if I ever thought of pulling that gun out of the box.

     I am pleased to announce that due to the excellent information in class, I will NOT be getting a CHL at this time. This is not due to a failure on my part nor on the part of Mr. Bond. Both of us performed admirably. But I learned that a CHL is a serious matter, not to be sought for the heck of it. As Mr. Bond put it, CHL holders are held to a higher standard of gun owners. This license actually is noted on your record and law enforcement is aware of it if you are stopped. With Texas laws, I can legally have my little gun for my protection in my home with no need for a CHL. I really never had any plans to take one with me anywhere else.

     I am a teacher and live in a world of children. I would not be able to have one at work. My neighborhood is full of my students. I run around with teachers and moms. At this time, I don't have an overwhelming reason to be armed while going to Sprouts or Mardel's.

     However, times do change. I reserve the right to be so armed if I see the need, and I appreciate the knowledge I gained in the CHL class. I won't hesitate to visit Mr. Bond again if circumstances warrant. I also plan to go on more dates with my husband which involve a gun range.

     For the record, I passed both parts of the qualifications, test and range. That paper doll guy did not survive my Rambo-ness. For your protection, you might want to call before coming to visit me after dark.