Shots Fired
A couple of years ago my son and I attended a Fourth of July party in Muskegon, Michigan. As we were leaving the party we heard a series of “pops.” Being the holiday, we assumed the sounds were from fireworks. The following day we found out these sounds were the result of gunfire from a drive by shooting. When we heard the news about the shooting, my son and I found ourselves disoriented and in disbelief. It was unsettling to realize that what we thought was a moment of celebration was actually a moment of real danger.
A Mother’s Plea
It turns out, the sound of gunfire is a common occurrence in many communities. Recently, Wood TV8 covered the story of a local mother who wrote a letter to the Mayor of Muskegon about the sounds her and her child are regularly subjected to in their community.
The Reality: Gunshots Are Not Just Noise
For families—especially for mothers—hearing gunshots doesn’t just cause fear in the moment; it leaves lasting marks. The frequent sound of gunfire sets a constant undertone of anxiety, making it hard for parents to assure their kids everything is okay. Simple things like playing outside become sources of worry. Stress lingers, showing up in sleepless nights, headaches, and that underlying sense that danger is always nearby.
Ongoing Sounds of Gunfire: The Toll on Children
Every child deserves the chance to grow up in safety, without the daily worry of gunshots echoing outside their windows.
The ongoing threat or reality of gun violence has a powerful impact on children. Not only do they absorb their parents’ anxiety, but living with constant fear can interfere with their sleep, concentration, and ability to enjoy everyday life. Kids may become withdrawn, struggle in school, or avoid outdoor activities, missing out on normal childhood experiences. Over time, this stress can harm their physical health and emotional development, shaping how they see themselves and their place in the community.
Mothers Carrying the Weight
Local mothers, like the one who wrote to the mayor, aren’t just worried about their own safety—they’re worried about their children’s innocence and well-being.
The responsibility of keeping kids safe while hearing gunshots in the neighborhood can feel overwhelming. Their concerns ripple through the family, affecting relationships, routines, and outlooks on life. It’s hard enough being a parent, but parenting with these worries turns everyday life into a challenge.
The Risk of Normalizing Gunfire
One of the most troubling realities is how easy it is for families to start seeing gunfire as “normal.” When gunshots become a regular sound, it’s tempting to downplay their impact or stay silent about the fear they cause. But this silence means families may stop looking for support, and kids might grow up thinking constant fear is just how life works. We can’t let this normalization take root.
Physicians: Partners for Prevention and Change
By collaborating across these groups, we can work on community-based solutions that address the root causes of violent crime and support families hurt by its fallout.
As professionals, physicians are in a strong position to do more than treat the symptoms. We can partner with healthcare systems, schools, youth and neighborhood organizations, police, and the County Prosecutor’s Office to help prevent and reduce violence in our community. Whether it’s through health screenings, evidence-based violence prevention programs, education, or advocacy, physicians can use their influence to create safer neighborhoods and offer hope to families living under the threat of gunshots.
Supporting Mothers, Supporting Families
As healthcare professionals, neighbors, and community members, we have a chance to step up for mothers facing these fears. Listening, acknowledging their experience, and connecting them to support and resources lets mothers know they matter—and that we care. By keeping the conversation going and offering help, we remind families that living with fear should never be accepted as the norm.