I Choose to Be Happy: A School Shooting Survivor's Triumph Over Tragedy

School shootings seem to be almost a fact of life these days, rampant as they are. Until a few years ago, it was the school shootings in the United States that made world news, especially the Columbine massacre, but recently, we hear of school shootings all over the world [the most recent being in Germany]. In "I Choose to Be Happy: A School Shooting Survivor's Triumph Over tragedy", readers are introduced to a survivor, Missy Jenkins who was only 15-years-old when her life changed irrevocably. On Dec 1, 1997, Missy was attending a prayer circle at school, when she was shot, amongst others, by 14-year-old Michael Carneal. The casualties were three dead and five injured, and Missy was the most seriously injured, suffering paralysis from the chest down. This book is Missy's account of surviving that day, and of how she has not let adversity keep her from living a full and productive life. Missy describes how she had to learn to do things for herself, basic, simple day-to-day tasks that most of us don't give much thought to, but Missy had to relearn all over again. This young lady had and continues to display immense courage which I can only marvel at. But, she does not paint a purely rosy picture of her recovery, far from it - she admits to moments of despair and resentment. Despite her harrowing experience, Missy Jenkins has brought something positive out of her tragedy. Through the unwavering support of her family, friends, and faith, Missy has managed to graduate from college, become a public speaker and counselor for at-risk youth, as well as experience the joys of marriage and motherhood. Perhaps one the most insightful and poignant moments is her meeting with her shooter in jail years after the tragedy. Missy's account is also filled with other important insights such as the very real phenomenon of bullying, which contributed to Michael Carneal's rampage. In her book, bullying, the factors contributing to it, and her insights into the topic are covered in one of the chapters. Missy concludes her book with some thoughts for reflection. Missy comes across as a woman of faith, courage and motivation who has faced adversity head-on and her story makes for an inspiring and poignant read.

"I Choose to be Happy" is a most magnificent story of a girl that was in the wrong place at the wrong time and has suffered the consequences ever since. Missy Jenkins was fifteen-years old, a happy-go-lucky student in Heath High School in Paducah, Kentucky. Missy was like most other students at that age thinking they were invincible, nothing could happen to them. Their daily routine was just that, a routine they did automatically. UNTIL December 1, 1997 when a fourteen-year old fellow student, Michael Carneal, known by most all the students in the school, came to school with a bundle of guns with which he had planned to shoot as many as he could. There were many students doing their normal thing for the first thing in the morning which was forming a ring of prayer just inside the school. When Michael Carneal opened up with his first gun shooting at random, students started running down hallways except for the ones that were hit by bullets and a few that came to their assistance. Strangely, after the first round of shots, Carneal placed his gun down and was subdued. The carnage in the school was limited to the entrance area where no one knew who was hurt or how badly the injuries were. Missy was one of the eight students that had been shot. She survived but with a wound that would paralyze her from the chest down for the rest of her life. Three were outright killed or died on the way to the hospital. Five others, including Missy, were injured. Missy's story tells of her strong faith, her strength of mind, and the terrific family she had that were with her every day even after she was able to do some things on her own. She always had a strong religious background but this shooting brought out the best in her as she turned to God even more than ever. The many months of rehabilitation after her initial hospitalization was only accomplished by her strong faith and willingness to live as good a life as possible. She was not a quitter. Missy tells the rest of her life as she goes through very tough rehabilitation in several hospitals and rehab centers, always with one or more of her family at her side, most times staying overnight in her room when possible. Missy, because of her deep religious convictions, forgave Michael Carneal. This mindset action showed those surrounding and supporting her just what a great person Missy was. Missy has to learn how to do every normal function that a healthy person takes for granted. Her life was very hard but she endured and was determined that her life was now meant to be to help others who might be thinking of shooting someone, to help the thoughts of those that could be victims, and even teaching handicapped persons how to act and think despite their disability. She was, and still is a glowing young woman, now married with a young child, and leading a difficult life, but in her mind, it is not hard. She is alive and can live, teach, assist, aid, and try to stop the actions of another possi

I remember hearing the news and being in shock that an event like a school shooting could happen in our area. I watched the funeral and was amazed by the coverage our small community received from around the world. I have traveled quite a bit and many people knew of Paducah because of the school shooting. Missy and I were at a book fair recently where I bought her book. I finished reading it last night and was amazed by her attitude, her gift of forgiveness, and her perseverance of faith in a Sovereign God. She stated many times that her faith, attitude, and willingness to focus on the positives that came from the tradegy have been blessings she would not have had otherwise. Her story is an inspiration and example for all of us. I have taught my children and grandchildren that God has a special purpose for them. I use Ephesians 2:10 as the basis for that teaching. I believe Missy is an example of what Ephesians 2:10 teaches. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. God knows his plans for us and He is never surprised by the events that come to us through this life. I look forward to the day that Missy can walk, run and hear her Savior say "Well done, good and faithful servant!" She represents her Savior well in word and deed. My prayer is that Josh and Missy will always keep their focus on the God who sustains them and us. Dan Tankersley, Co-Author of The Rain

I remember praying as I listened to the tragedy unfold in 1997. The setting was Paducah, Kentucky, only 150 miles from the small Kentucky community I live in. Michael Carneal opened fire in Heath High School. The boom of the gun shots echoed throughout the school. To the horror of the faculty and students, three were dead and five were injured. Missy Jenkins is a courageous person. She faced the challenges and overcame them. Jenkins forgave Michael Carneal. Forgiveness is taught by Jesus Christ. The title of this book says it all, I Choose to be Happy. As I looked at the photos of Missy and observed the sunshine of her smile, I was reminded that happiness is a choice we make. Missy brings many of us to shame. I Choose to be Happy is well written. I found myself in tears as I read the events on that fateful day. I found myself praising God that Missy could walk again. May God continue to bless Missy Jenkins.

I went to school with Missy and was there that day too. I am just in awe of how she has dealt everything she has gone through....so much of which I didn't know until after reading her book. Missy is an amazing woman who has given us an intimate glimpse into her life. She is a true example of how people can't always choose their circumstances, but can ALWAYS choose how they cope with them. Thanks so much for your courage and strength :) Brittney Thomas