re: With uptick in gun violence, do you avoid large gatherings?

No. But to be fair, I don't attend many things that would be typical targets, nor do I live in an area where I am aware of "local" violence happening in the past 16-17 years. Ahem.

That being said, I have a habit of assessing the situation wherever I am. My mind is dark. I do play out scenarios about how to get the family out safe and what my options are to fight if necessary.