A tragedy happened at my workplace, so I'll be going on Hiatus [RL]

Author

Kuro_0ni

Cocooned in a Life transition, Male
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Edit: Dec 5, 2019
I woke up hoping that yesterday was a dream, a nightmare that was passing.
But I know that not to be true, the reality is that people's lives were lost.

One of the victims was a fellow coworker, whom I've worked with on past occasions. Nice guy and a family man, his dad also works here, he's one of the big bosses in another department.

I won't mention my exact job description, just that I'm a metal worker for the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Working on the structural side of things. I enjoy what it is I do, and take pride in maintaining & repairing ships.

I was at work yesterday, when the base went into lockdown & the base loudspeaker system declared an emergency. Dry dock #3 is where I mostly work. I think my initial reaction to it all was "Is this real?"

I've taken the Active shooter trainnings, the briefings, and stuff. They teach you to seek shelter (run/hide), and as a last result, fight for your safety or your coworkers safety. And so we do what it is we've been taught.

The roughest thing in that whole situation, is not knowing what to expect. You already know that gunshots have occurred, and you're left to wonder who got hurt. Even if you're safe, your mind immediately races to people you know, and you begin to wonder about their safety.

I already overheard who all the victims were, in passing and I know their department. I've worked with them before. But with the press releasing their names, that further solidify's that these are guys I wont meet again.

There is one survivor out of all of this, and I hope he makes a full recovery. I can only express my heartfelt condolences for all the victims families. Work has been shutdown for today, so the authorities can do their investigation, but tomorrow, normal work operations are set to continue. I'm sure our bosses may have some briefings for us and some answers, but I don't know anymore, I don't know what to think...

What's causing me to rage is peoples ignorance & the media's agenda to this tragedy. Turning what my coworkers and I experienced into something that is not. Speculating and spreading misinformation.

Honestly, I was born & raised in Hawaii. And was taught values like "Ha'aha'a" humility, "kuleana" responsibility and Aloha. Our State's motto Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono means "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness" In other words we are the caretakers of the land and its people, its community, and we will treat each other with love and respect.

I've grown from a Hawaii that embodied such values, to an Era where common courtesy is rare. People no longer understand one another, the community is divided, the Aloha spirit seems almost nonexistent.

I can ramble on and on and vent my frustrations, but I'll just stop myself here.
Please be kind to each other, we can have different beliefs and still respect each other.
I want to say enjoy the holidays with sincerity, but right now that's hard for me.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dec 4, 2019
My workplace..... I honestly don't know how to deal with this....
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2019/...hooter-situation-pearl-harbor-naval-shipyard/

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I know I haven't mentioned what it is I do, I'm just an apprentice metal worker....
but I may be taking an extended break from translating, just to absorb what had happened.

I don't know anymore...... A part of me just hopes its not someone I know....

https://hiscension.com/2019/hiatus/

Comments

    1. cheonsa-nim Dec 6, 2019
      What you're going through sounds like survivors guilt.
      Don't beat yourself up about this, be with your family and friends.

      I can't imagine what I would do, If I was in your situation.
      But your hurting, grieve and know that people around you care.

      I'm not familiar with Hawaiian, but I just learned what Aloha means today.
      Peace, love, compassion and mercy.

      I pray that you find your peace and learn to love once more.
      God bless, and peace be with you.
      Kuro_0ni likes this.
    2. Femme Fatale Dec 6, 2019
      Spend time with family and friends;
      Count your blessings and be prayerful;
      We will be here when you come back
      and we will rejoice with your return;

      Peace and Aloha
      Kuro_0ni and cheonsa-nim like this.
    3. Wujigege Dec 5, 2019
      Wow. This has gotten ridiculous.
      I would blame gun laws but knives were used in the UK
      Social education is failing
      Arash1 and Kuro_0ni like this.
    4. Westeller Dec 5, 2019
      Take all the time you need :sweating_profusely::sweating_profusely: