The one-year anniversary of the Grand 16 Theater shooting is quickly approaching. It feels like just yesterday I heard the breaking news that people were shot in a place I loved so much. Lafayette, Louisiana was named the "Happiest City in America" just shortly before this tragic event.
I wasn't even in Lafayette when the shooting happened, and my life still changed forever.
This tragic event...
...Took away my sense of security.
Even in a place where people go to relax and have a good time, there is a threat. It scares me to think that there are people out there who want to hurt others so badly. I forgive the man who brought this evil upon us, but I cannot forgive his actions that changed the lives of thousands. I cannot forgive the fact that he actually planned on escaping and causing more harm to others.
...Changed the way I view people.
I love to see the good in everyone. Sadly, now I have to get a little nervous when I see someone "alone" or "suspicious" in public places. I now think of the worst of people and judge them, when I shouldn't. This is simply by human nature, but it is something I've had to get used to. I don't like to feel this way towards people, but my sense of security was taken from me on that July night.
...Never leaves my mind.
I pass by that theater every single day. I still feel the same heartbreak and pain that I have felt since July 23, 2015. The theater is a constant, permanent reminder of what happened there and the lives that were lost and the lives who were changed forever are always on my mind.
...Evoked thoughts about gun control.
Whether you believe in stricter gun control or not, I think everyone knows that the actions of one man with a gun took the lives of two beautiful women and shot and injured nine others. After the shooting, I thought a lot about the laws in this country and how we have so much violence. Guns are landing in the wrong hands and whatever your stance on gun control may be, I think I speak for the majority when I say that gun violence cannot be tolerated in this country any longer.
...Tragically put our small town "on the map."
I got so many calls and texts that night because everyone knew I went to school in Lafayette. My worried friends and family knew all about the shooting because not only was it on local news stations but was also nationally televised. Now when I tell people I go to school in Lafayette, Louisiana, you can almost see the pain in their eyes as they recall the "town that had a movie theater shooting". I never thought it would happen to us, but it did.
...Affected the way I live my life.
I changed the way I live. I tell the ones I love "I love you" a little too much. I live every day with meaning and purpose. However, sometimes the fear keeps me from doing things I really want to do. This goes back to losing my sense of security because of one man's wrongdoings.
I am so proud of my college town for taking this event and making it positive. We came together as a community and we will always be Lafayette strong. We will never forget this tragic event.
In loving memory of Mayci Breaux and Jillian Johnson.
