To my beloved Queen City,

I am a writer; words come easily to me. They flow, like a lifeline in my body, fluidly and effortlessly, coming out of my pen to fruition with only the effort it takes to write them down. Words are easy for me. But today, words are not easy for me. Because today, there was yet another senseless shooting in America. But today, for me, it happened so so close to home.

I don't have words to explain why it happened. I don't have words to remedy the pain of those who survived, and I don't have words to comfort those whose family members did not. I don't have words to simplify the issues of gun control, to make this all make sense. I don't have words.

I don't have words, but not because I'm shocked that this happened. Distraught, yes, terrified sure. Heartbroken? No question. But shocked? I can't be. Because unfortunately, this seems to be our reality in America. And now, it's the reality of Cincinnati. We hear that shootings happen in this country. But not here, not right at home. We think they don't happen to us because the thought that it could is too frightening to fathom. We believe that it happens elsewhere, but not here, not to us. But Cincinnati can't say that anymore.

Every city has its most special, sacred places. Fountain Square is one of those for Cincinnati. It's a heartbeat in the middle of the city. For anyone who loves the city, they know Fountain Square and have frequented this spot. So to know that he happened right there in the middle of the city breaks our hearts a little more. This is our city, Fountain Square its heartbeat.

I won't disrespect the city by discussing the man who caused this city-wide pain, inflicted these wounds, and murdered three innocent people. They deserve more than that. They are entitled to remembrance and deserve not have this shooter become the main focus of that remembrance. So we will remember those who died, prayer for the injured, and dream of a safer Cincinnati.

Cincinnati, today you are broken. You are beautiful. And you are strong.