Last October, 13-year-old Alyssa F. was unintentionally shot in the face by her brother Xavier. Alyssa spent a month in North Carolina's Brenner Children's Hospital and another month at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte. She had 13 major and minor surgeries and procedures and faces more dental procedures. She has had skin grafts and had her jaw wired shut for several months. She has also had several facial reconstructive surgeries. Her injuries have left her blind.
Xavier did not realize the gun he pointed at his sister was loaded. He pleaded guilty to charges of assault with a deadly weapon. According to his mother, "He's a good kid. It was more traumatic for him because he saw what Alyssa looked like."
Ohh shoot.
I think these aftermath stories - this and the video of the Kentucky mother below - are even more effective than the shooting event stories. The latter elicits a gasp but the aftermaths unfold this endless regret and sorrow.
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