Good article.
I think the point she is making is that only responsible people should have access to firearms. Her father, her mother, even her boyfriend were aware of what could be done with a firearm, and were careful. The author herself is responsible.
Her abusive-ex was not, and she came that close to being a homicide statistic.
So she understands, emotionally, why firearms should be carefully regulated. Because irresponsible people should never, ever be able to hold a firearm in their hands.