I cannot fathom the pain you're experiencing right now and my heart truly breaks for you. A night that was supposed to be so carefree and fun turned into yet another fatal act of senseless violence. It isn't fair, it isn't right and it cannot be tolerated.
How do we stop the violence? How do we prevent the deaths? So many are screaming for stricter gun laws in hopes that the fewer hands holding the guns, the fewer shootings will occur. Yet for others, this tragic night is fueling the fire for their right to bear arms in hopes that they would be prepared should they find themselves in a situation such as this. I honestly couldn't tell you what the best choice is, or where to begin when it comes to prevention. The sad truth is there are always going to be sick, cruel, corrupted people in this world and we won't always be able to stop them.
That being said- this article isn't about gun control, it isn't about terrorism or the fight against it. This article is for those of you, in any way shape or form, affected by this shooting.
I am so sorry.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I'm so sorry for what you had to witness.
I'm so sorry that you will carry this night and those images with you forever.
I'm sorry for those of you in the Muslim community who will undoubtedly be faced with the backlash for something you had no control over or part in.
I'm so sorry to the LGBTQ community that in 2016 you are still fighting to feel safe and free.
I cannot imagine being in your shoes, not knowing if your loved ones are okay. Or worse, getting the dreaded call that their name falls among the 50 men and women who lost their lives that night.
I cannot tell you the number of stories I've read in the last 24 hours that have ended in tears. The lengths those of you who survived had to go to, the things you had to do in order to make it out alive. The pictures of families desperately trying to contact loved ones that are still unaccounted for. The text messages being released between parents and children who knew they weren't going to make it out. It is absolutely heartbreaking, sickening and I just don't understand.
You don't know me, and you may never see this but I just want you to know that I am standing with you and I am mourning for you. The events that took place in Orlando should have never happened, I shouldn't be writing this article, and you shouldn't be planning funerals.
This is not only a tragic event for Orlando and the LGBTQ community, but for America as a whole. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
