“Someone was just shot on campus down by the canal. We are in lockdown. I am completely safe. Prayers please though.”

No parent wants to get a text from his or her kid that says this.

After two texts from Julia about the situation on campus at Seattle Pacific University, I walked into my husband’s office and asked if I should be worried. He said she would be safe, and surely she was.

Last fall, when I sent her off to college, I never envisioned a man with a gun coming on to her small campus and opening fire. I didn’t imagine this in my scenario of college for my kid. After all, Seattle Pacific University is on Queen Ann hill in one of the wealthiest areas in Seattle.

“The scariest moment was not knowing where my friends were.” Julia said.

Julia was in her dorm at the time and heard the sirens, then was told that they were going into lockdown. Several of her dorm friends were in a class in the building where the shooter opened fire. SWAT teams finally came in and escorted these students out of the building along hallways splattered in blood.

Tonight, my girl sits in community with her friends at SPU as they all share in the grief of the day. One of their fellow students lost his life, another clings to life, and others traumatized from walking the hallways splattered with blood.

As a parent, I am a bit overwhelmed and stunned. I can’t wait to have my girl home.

My heart breaks tonight for the parents that weep over loosing the son and aches for the ones that are praying for healing. This hit too close to home it’s hard to even process.

I ended the night with writing this text to Julia. “Goodnight sweet girl. Love you to the moon and back and beyond.”

And my heart welled up with emotion to receive these words back. “Love you too Mama.”

It’s always hard to witness your kids go through trauma and tragedy. But God’s grace covers my girl with love. It’s comforting to know she is safe and secure tonight, and she has the peace of Jesus in her heart.

Prayers going out to the campus of Seattle Pacific University tonight. May God’s peace bring comfort in this moment.