Las Vegas, we are so sorry.
The deadliest mass shooting in American history has left so many heartbroken; heartbroken for those who have lost their lives and those who have lost loved ones. 58 lives have been lost too soon, and America is left once again with an overwhelming feeling of sorrow and anger.
Violence creates innumerable ripple effects of pain. To speak as if I understand the torment would be absolutely naive and insensitive. America weeps as we think about the sheer terror so many felt the morning of October 2, 2017, when they woke to discover their daughter, son, husband, wife, sister, brother, or friend was gone.
The world we live in today is not the same world that existed fifty years ago. At age 20, I have lived through Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, Orlando, and now, Las Vegas. Each tragedy that occurs in our great nation has us all questioning when the hate will finally come to an end.
Our world is a scary place, but we willnot be afraid. We will not give the individuals who carry out these heinous acts the honor of having us live our lives in fear.
I cannot comprehend why people do not grasp and sanctify the preciousness of every human life, and we may never know the motive for this tragedy. What we do know is that a change is so desperately needed in our nation. Innocent lives are being lost too often, and families have had to bury their loved ones far before their time.
Let us not forget every individual present during this horrible act of terror. Some may say that those at the Route 91 Harvest Festival who were not injured or killed during this tragedy are the lucky ones. In a sense, they are, but what many fail to realize is that every individual present will forever have the images they wish they could unsee and the sounds they wish they could unhear embedded in their thoughts. So many will suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Thousands of lives changed in nothing but an instant.
To anyone affected by the horrible tragedy in Las Vegas, we are thinking of you, and we are praying for you. Though we may never understand your pain at this time, we are heartbroken for you and stand with you. In a nation filled with so much hate and divide, America hurts together, and we will heal together.
If you are in need of emotional support after this event, there are resources out there that are ready and eager to help you.
National Suicide Hotline, (Toll-Free) 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433
The National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists (NACBT), (Toll-Free) 1-800-853-1135
American Psychological Association, (Toll-Free) 1-800-374-2721