On the morning of June 12th, I received a Facebook notification to mark myself safe. Safe? Why, I asked. According to FB, there was a terrorist attack in Orlando. That can’t be right. This is Orlando we’re talking about. That kind of stuff can’t happen here. But as I began to watch the news and check my social media accounts, it was true. Orlando was struck by tragedy.
On the morning of June 12th, a gunman entered Pulse night club and opened fire, killing 49 people and injuring 53 more. After a standoff and hostage situation, first responders entered the club and killed the gunman. When I heard the news, I couldn’t believe it. As I kept hearing it, I struggled to understand how this could happen. I mean, I was JUST in downtown this past week. Is this real?
I’ve struggled to come up with the right words to say since Sunday. I was saddened, shocked, and confused. I think I still am. What drove the gunman to this point? Could we have stopped it? And why did this even happen in the first place? I had so many questions.
And then I started thinking about the victims and their familes. There were so many young people that had their lives cut short. So many dreams, aspirations, and bright futures were ahead. It really devastated me to think about it. And then I thought about the families. And then, it became too real.
A lot of the people that died were friends of friends. Our city has been shaken. Downtown will never be the same.
Despite the tragedy, I saw something else that day too. I saw good rise in the face of evil. I saw some of the most generous acts of humanity that absolutely and completely moved me. I saw lines and lines of people standing in line to donate blood. I saw local businesses open their doors to police officers and give them free food. And I saw a community come together, united, to help each other. It was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen in my life.
Candlelight vigil at the Dr. Phillips Center in downtown Orlando
As someone who grew up in Orlando, it made me extremely proud. In the worst kind of situation, we did not falter. Instead, we rose up and refused to let the hate win – we made sure that love did. Orlando showed the world who we are. I’ve seen people opening up their homes to victims’ families, volunteers passing out bottles of water to people standing in line donating blood, and the community holding vigils throughout the city to remind ourselves that we are strong and we are united.
Honestly, I don’t know if what I said really captures what I feel. Maybe it’s too new and too fresh for me to get the words right. What I do know is, one of the worst tragedies we’ve ever seen hit very close to home and instead of giving in to the hate, Orlando and the world proved that love is stronger.
My thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the victims and their families during this trying time.
And I’ll leave you with this…a song I wrote several years ago that’s more relevant than ever today.
I’m with you, Orlando. #orlandostrong #orlandounited
