interesting stories, thank you.
I was blessed to be raised in a firearm household. We lived in a rural area, and could legally and safely shoot literally off of our front porch, and we did. We actually had several spots on our property where we shot, depending on what targets we wanted to use, or the distance we desired.
My dad was fascinated with guns as a child, and when he was old enough, he purchased his own (even becoming a LEO in Ill, for a couple years). By the time I was 5, I had worked my way up to shoot his .44 Mag revolver. I skipped all the way back to the house after that one. "My" first rifle was a single shot, bolt action, 22lr, followed by a bolt-action .410 shotgun, and then an old 8x57 German Mauser (still have that Mauser, but need a new, full-size stock). As a youth, I got pretty darn good with that .410 on the trap range, graduated to the 20 gauge for a morning, at the trap/skeet range, and then on to the 12ga after lunch. Never went back. After honing my skills on the 410, I couldn't miss with the 12ga. I actually did shoot a couple of perfect rounds.
When I turned 21, I applied for, and received my CC permit. At that time, my dad gave me some advice that I have remembered every time I put on my gun: "Don't ever go someplace/do something that you wouldn't if you didn't have a gun, just because now you do". As much as my dad and I didn't see eye to eye on so many important things in life, I am always full of respect and regard for his approach to firearms, and responsible ownership, and actions. For that, I am eternally grateful. Every time I put it on, I pray I don't have to use it; but I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have one.
2 years ago I got re-married, and with this fabulous lady, came 2 amazing sons, so now I am a husband, AND a father. I hope and pray that my daily actions show them how to be a responsible citizen, a caring human being, and that you can do that while still protecting and advocating for your family.
While I don't advocate people live in a state of fear, I do believe that preparing for the worst scenarios, is part of being a responsible husband, father, and citizen.
PE