Today, I urge all parents to do everything they can to keep their children safe from guns and ask a simple question that can prevent accidental tragedies just like the one that has changed the rest of my life: “Is there a gun in the homes where my child plays?”

There’s no way to describe the anguish of losing a child and the effects of Markie’s death – not just on my family, but also on the family of the boy who shot my son. My hope is to prevent other families from experiencing the heartache we have gone through.

Seven years ago, my baby sitter’s son accidentally shot and killed my 3-year-old son Markie with an unlocked gun he found in a closet. I cannot stress this enough: had I asked, he might still be alive.

That is why I support the ASK Campaign. The ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Campaign, created by PAX / Real Solutions to Gun Violence, urges parents to ask other parents if they have a gun in the home before sending their children over to play. If the answer is no, then that’s one less thing to worry about. If the answer is yes, parents are urged to ensure that the gun is kept locked and separate from ammunition, preferably in a gun safe.

Sonya Barge