I spent last week writing an article about Orlando and how it is so much more than meets the eye. I wrote with the intention to share with everyone what a wonderful city I live in. This week, though, the whole country, world even, has seen my city. They’ve seen it plastered all over the news. They’ve seen one of my favorite streets flooded with law enforcement and media. I’ve spent this past week writing about Orlando yet again but this time the words don’t come so easy.
When I woke up June 12 it was different than usual. I was in Sarasota, awake by 9 a.m., which was much earlier than any other Sunday. I slept next to my sister, which I normally refuse to do. My grandma was waiting in the living room to spend the day together, which we in hadn’t done in months. And my hometown was in complete chaos, which was something I never expected.
Image Credit: Lindsey Wilhite
Before I was awake for 30 seconds I learned the news. A gay nightclub in Orlando was the scene of a horrific crime. Pulse nightclub, just minutes from my house, was now the location of the largest mass shooting in American history.
This week has been unimaginable. I have been walking around with this feeling that I can’t even explain. There are so many things I could talk about: my frustrations, my fears, my sadness; those would all inevitably be negative. Instead I want to show appreciation for my city, for which I have taken for granted, criticized and overlooked in the past. I want to express how thankful and proud I am to call Orlando home because of the people and actions that have made this week, and weeks to come, bearable.
Image Credit: Lindsey Wilhite
To the young man dancing to The Black Eyed Pea’s “Where Is The Love” at the 7-11 on Orange Avenue and Kaley, who wanted to express how he felt about this tragedy through doing what he loves.
To Reverend Thea Racelis, the Latino Queer pastor who traveled to Orlando from Connecticut to pray with people outside of the Dr. Phillips Center.
To the countless citizens of Orlando who were lined up to donate blood for victims in need, just hours after the attack on Pulse nightclub.
To Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, who donated $1 Million each to the OneOrlando Fund.
To Greg Zanis, an Illinois man who drove down 49wooden crosses he built for each victim to place outside the Orlando Health Medical Center
To everyone from around the world who donated what they could to the GoFundMe Pulse Victim Fund, making it the fastest ever to reach $1 million when all it asked for was $100,000.
To the Orlando City Soccer Club who dedicated the June 18 match to Pulse victims in more ways than one, including a commemorative #OrlandoUnited patch on game jerseys and a permanent memorial in the new stadium.
To all other efforts put forth by this admirable community.
Here’s to you Orlando. ‘The City Beautiful’ rings truer than ever.
