As of today I'm a licensed CCW permit holder, here's my story

This morning I checked my mailbox to find an envelope from the DOJ. I eagerly opened it to find a crisp plastic card with my name on it, followed by "concealed carry license" I slid that baby into an empty space in my wallet, before throwing on my shield 9mm at the appendix. After that I finally got to walk out of my apartment, huge smile on my face, knowing that I was finally, legally, protecting myself and others.Rewind to 7 months ago...I was raised in a very strict, anti-gun household, and even after moving out I still viewed firearms as dangerous murder machines. One night while walking back to my apartment, my girlfriend and I were held up at gun point, luckily we went unharmed, but left with our pockets, and my self confidence completely empty. Not being able to defend your girlfriend, let alone yourself has got to be one of the worst feelings on earth.Rewind to 6 months ago...I started rethinking my view on personal protection. I realize in that situation, there wasn't much I could have done even if I was armed... but it made me think, made me research dgu incidents, and realize that guns really aren't as bad as I was once told. I started going to the range a few times a week, trying different guns, chatting with the regulars, and in the end decided on purchasing a M&P Shield 9mm. After taking a few defensive handgun classes, I knew that CCW was for me. I even brought my anti-gun father to the range a few times, and guess what.... he loves it.Rewind to last week...Last Wednesday I took the Wisconsin CCW course, (it was honestly incredibly elementary compared to the defensive handgun courses I took) but it's the requirement. I sent in my application that night electronically, and today... (see first paragraph)Just wanted to thank everyone here at r/CCW, youguys are THE reason I was able to confidently pick out my Shield, aswell as the rest of my EDC setup. You are all a great bunch of humans... So thanks.TL;DRI hated guns, now I like guns, I got my CCW permit, yay, thanks. via /r/CCW http://ift.tt/2hAuc3j