There is a woman I met via social media several years ago by the name of Danielle. She lives in Orlando and works as a nurse at Orlando Health. As you can imagine, she has seen and heard some of the most heartbreaking stories in the past couple of weeks. This with her and her colleagues in mind and memory of those killed at Pulse nightclub.
Dear Danielle,
I see you. I see your posts about the hurt you have experienced as these tragedies have struck your community. I see the hurt you feel as a mother with three young daughters, terrified of letting them out of your sight for fear of their safety. I see that hurt you feel as a nurse, wondering what you could've done if it was you on duty that night.
But more importantly, I see your love. I still the love you spread as you continue to share the hospital's updates about the victims of this attack. I see the love you spread as you share the good deeds that were a result of this tragedy, as good Samaritans tried to erase the pain of those afflicted. I see the love you spread as you attend the vigils and memorials, keeping the memory of those killed sacred as the headlines fade.
I see the love in tragedy radiating from you. As you stand against the hate coming from the Westboro Baptist Church and other showing their prejudice. No, you do not stand alone. As you fight for the lives of those injured, know that we as a nation fight with you. We do not have the capable hands you do to care for the victims, but our hearts reach out across the miles to support you and lift you up.
Having known you for four years, I have seen the struggles you have faced and your ability to stand tall and handle your hardships with grace and humility. When I fell on hard times, you extended a helping hand and a listening ear. Caring for others is so much a part of you, like your DNA. And now, as I watch you struggle to come to terms with this tragedy in your community, I wish I had the ability to love and care unconditionally the way you do for others, so that I may return the favor you have bestowed upon everyone you've crossed paths with.
You and your fellow healthcare providers do a thankless job, working tirelessly to care for your patients. I see you working night shift and getting up soon when you can, how you care for your daughters, your husband, and your pets. I thank you for sacrificing so much in your personal life to help others. I thank you for what you've done in the wake of this tragedy to minimize the suffering of the victims and their families. I thank you for the hours you put in to care for everyone impacted by the attack. I send my thanks, appreciation, and love to you, Danielle, and all other nurses, doctors, and EMTs working in Orlando during this tragic time.
We are Orlando strong.
