Paris, we are standing behind you. Your pain is our pain.

This brutal attack on your beautiful city will not be forgotten, nor will it go unpunished. As a country, the U.S. stands with you against the terrorism that tries to defeat us again and again. We will not let them beat us.

We can feel your grief, horror, and rage at the tragedy that has happened. Borders currently do not divide us; we are all united as one. This is an attack on freedom, and as humans, we stand together against those who try to split us apart.

I remember, on Nov. 13, waiting for the news alerts for updates on the city’s attacks. And with the more news I read or saw, the more my heart broke for you. It made me angry- how can another person intentionally harm another person like that? Why do people kill other people?

Where is the benefit?

Paris, you may be shaking, but you are strong. We are ready to support you in any way we can. Terrorism is something that needs to be stopped completely, but I can see no definite end coming up. Terrorism is the root of war and pain, bloodshed and violation of human rights.

I for one, am so tired of hearing about death tolls, the numbers of injured people, the pain that people are going through in the news. It’s only up to us to change this pattern. I read this quote somewhere, by Sri Chin Moi Gosh- “when the power of love overcomes the love of power, then there will be true peace.” Kindness to others is a good place to start. It may not sound like much, but kindness spreads faster than you think. If we want peace, we need to be kind, we need to love each other.

I am sending all my love to you Paris. I am sorry that this happened to you- no city deserves an act of terrorism such as this. Millions of people are grieving with you, are sending good thoughts your way. We are hoping for peace.

Paris, you are in our hearts. We send you strength, hope, and courage.