WACO, Texas (KWTX) – In 1999, Mary Beth Talley became part of a growing statistic, having survived a mass shooting, however she’s documented that trauma turning it into hope and guidance for others.
In October, Talley came out with her book Not Bad, Just Different.
Her book starts with another shooting she remembers hearing about as did the world – Columbine High School back in April of that year.
As for her story, On September 15, 1999, a gunman shot an killed seven church goers and then himself at Wedgwood Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
It was Homecoming Week and about 200 to 300 youth members gathered for a “See You at the Pole” rally — after 15 minutes they never got to finish that rally.
Talley says this book was a 3-year project. Year after year as shootings became more prevalent, she says she felt compelled to share and spread hope to others.
“Grief is grief and we have to go through that process in order to move forward so that just is kind of what it is and I also offer; I’m not completely healed, I’ll never be 100% perfect or normal but it is always a process and healing can always continue. We have to initiate that and it’s also just the idea for those of us who are mass shooting survivors or survivors in general you’re not alone on this journey,” Talley said.
Talley’s journey took her to Baylor University.
She stayed in Waco and continues to be active with her church and theatre projects.
You can grab a copy of her book Not Bad, Just Different here.
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