12-25-23 Reformed School Shooter, Jon Romano Part 2
“Not every story has a happy ending…but the discoveries of science, the teachings of the heart, and the revelations of the soul, all assure us that no human being is ever beyond redemption. The possibility of renewal exists so long as life exists.” Gabor Mate
Scarlett Lewis continues her conversation with Jon Romano who has been released from serving a 17 year prison sentence for carrying out a school shooting in his high school in NY. He continues to heal and begins working in a homeless shelter. A man attacks him one day with knives and he becomes permanently disabled. Jon forgave the man, even advocating for a lighter sentence at his trial. He is trying to figure out how to move forward today and be part of the solution. A solution he says could come from educators never giving up on their students and through their love and caring. He believes social and emotional learning, starting as early as possible, would be helpful. He also believes that educators, parents, and students need to be aware of the resources that are available to them and make mental health a priority. In fact, Jon advocates for talking about brain illness rather than mental illness to reduce stigma and so more people will seek help. People make mistakes, learn and grow from them. We forgive people, as we forgive ourselves and allow them to take what they’ve learned to help others, and us in the process.
Learn more About Scarlett here: https://chooselovemovement.org/
