Revisiting Concealed Carry

Due to the growing conflicts in our own country in recent years, I made the decision to not only own a gun but to qualify for concealed carry. My husband and I were practicing every two weeks at a nearby range and enjoying our time together. Then life got in the way.

My excuses mainly arose out of pain that I was experiencing in my hands and wrists—which you sorta, kinda, need to shoot a gun. I was desperate to find a way to deal with the pain, which I was experiencing in other places in my body—and then discovered recently the likely source of my pain: anastrazole. It was a drug prescribed by my oncologist and has a nasty side effect: body pain. He immediately discontinued my taking the drug and about a week ago, I realized that my pain had reduced significantly.

But what does that have to do with concealed carry, you might ask?

Although I am still having some arthritis pain in my fingers and wrists, it’s manageable; it helps to take medication just before we go to practice. And today, I had a discussion with my husband that convinced me I need to restart practicing and gaining more familiarity with using my gun.

You see, I mentioned to him that I had bought a lovely new necklace online that was due to arrive any day. Immediately, he asked me if I was planning to “carry” regularly. The necklace has a menorah charm, which I bought to honor my solidarity with Jews and Israel. My husband clarified that he had no problem with that, but he thought it was important for me to be . . . prepared. So, I carry in a purse designed to carry a gun. Many men have suggested carrying with a special holster but I simply don’t want to do that.

If you were hesitant about getting a gun, I’d ask you to reconsider. I don’t think it’s wise to go out in public without one anymore. I never thought I’d be this paranoid, but there you are.

Previously when I decided to carry a gun, it was a wise decision because I would never know when I might need it. But now, it seems like it’s a much bigger commitment.

Now, it might be a matter of life and death.