SHOTGUN
LOVE

Topics: Abuse; Anger; Conflict; Emotions; Family; Love; Marriage; Remorse; Revenge; Temper; Violence

References: Psalm 11:5; Matthew 5:21–22; Romans 13:10; Ephesians 4:26–27

I was a nurse in the operating room for several years. One day a couple arrived, both with gunshot wounds. He had awakened late for his first day on the job because his wife did not set the alarm. He expressed his displeasure by shooting her in the arm. Not to be outdone, she went to another room, got a shotgun, and shot him in the arm.

As I gathered their paperwork, I heard something one would only expect to hear in a country song. Separated by a deputy sheriff and handcuffed to their respective stretchers, the husband began, “I love you, baby, and I’m sorry I shot you.”

The wife responded, “I love you too, baby. I’m sorry I shot you.”

—David A. Slagle, Lawrenceville, Georgia