As I prepared for my cross-country drive from Colorado to New Hampshire in my truck camper, I felt compelled to accomplish a few things before leaving. For years, there were goals I’d longed to achieve, and this moment gave me the gift of time to finally pursue them. One of those goals was obtaining my concealed carry license—and before I could do that, I needed to buy a gun.
Decades ago, during my first marriage to someone who had been in the military and a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, I had a limited understanding of what that right entailed. To me, it simply meant Americans could own and use guns. That was it. I later learned it was far more significant.
The Second Amendment exists to protect all other constitutional rights. It ensures that if the government ever veers dangerously off course, citizens have the means to defend themselves, their property, and, if necessary, reclaim the country.
The amendment states:
“The people have a right to keep and to bear arms for the common defense. And as, in times of peace, armies are dangerous to liberty, they ought not to be maintained without the consent of the legislature; and the military power shall always be held in exact subordination to the civil authority, and be governed by it.”
This wasn’t my first experience with firearms. My ex-husband and I used to join friends for shooting practice at the sand pits in Bow, New Hampshire. When the Y2K panic of 1999 swept the nation, we felt ready. For those unfamiliar, Y2K was a worldwide scare tactic where people feared that computers couldn’t transition into the new millennium.
The media warned of potential chaos, urging us to stockpile water, canned goods, and guns. Looking back, it’s clear how much fear the media created instead of clarity—a lesson that still resonates today.
“Hey, Eric, want to go with me to buy a gun?” I asked.
Walking into the gun store, I was immediately greeted by a female employee. Her warm, approachable demeanor put me at ease, allowing me to ask questions without feeling judged or embarrassed. She guided me through the process, asking thoughtful questions about my needs and preferences. Thanks to her help, the selection process felt natural and empowering.
The thought of traveling solo across the country in my truck camper filled me with both excitement and apprehension. I couldn’t ignore the potential dangers. Outside of accidents or breakdowns, the harsh reality is that men remain the number-one predator women face today.
Over 35% of violent crimes in the U.S. are committed against women, meaning 1 in 3 women will experience such violence in their lifetime*. While most of this violence is perpetrated by domestic partners, I decided to be proactive—not just by carrying a gun, but by becoming skilled and confident in its use.
“Hey, Eric, want to get our concealed carry licenses together?”
We began visiting the shooting range every other week. With each session, I became more comfortable handling, loading, and firing, my gun—as well as Eric’s. By the time I was ready for my trip, I felt confident and capable. This newfound assurance extended beyond the physical act of shooting; it was a personal transformation that left me feeling stronger and more secure.
We spent a Saturday afternoon in class and learned about the law. This class isn’t mandatory in Colorado, but I wanted to know exactly what would happen if I ever had to use my gun. The class covered laws, scenarios, and potential outcomes. By the end of the day, I left with my certificate and the understanding that while I never wanted to use my gun against anyone, I was prepared and aware to do so if necessary.
Holding a Colorado concealed carry license is advantageous, as it has reciprocity with 35 other states. However, I learned that Illinois and New York were exceptions. I made a mental note to avoid getting pulled over in those states!
I’ve always been able to see on both sides of the proverbial fence, and the issue of gun rights is no exception. On one hand, I firmly believe in maintaining the personal freedom to protect myself and understand the laws and responsibilities that come with it. On the other hand, I recognize the devastating impact of inadequate gun control laws and their inconsistency across states.
A friend visiting from New Hampshire recently commented on the presence of security guards in Colorado grocery stores. She was unaware of the tragic 2021 mass shooting at a Boulder King Soopers where 10 people lost their lives. When I told her, her demeanor shifted—an unfortunate reminder of the reality Americans face daily.
As I prepared for my trip, I carefully considered where to store my gun in the truck and camper, especially knowing I have a grandson and nephews that like to explore. It was crucial to ensure it remained secure and inaccessible to children. This was a responsibility I took seriously, and I’m grateful for the time I invested in preparation.
For the seven weeks I lived on the road, in my truck camper, I felt safe. Thankfully, I never needed to use my gun except to move it from one secure spot to another. For that, I am profoundly grateful.
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*Data obtained from the World Health Organization
