On May 22nd, 2017, we as the human race were once again rocked and hurt by the horrendous terrorist attack that took place at what was supposed to be an innocent and fun-filled Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England.
As I write this, I cannot even begin to imagine how everyone involved must feel. My absolute deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to the families of those who cruelly and unfairly lost their lives. I can't even find the right words to give you some kind of comfort or relief to your grieving.
Yes, to you this may just be another "I'm sorry" from a random person you don't know on the internet, but I want you to at least know how truly sorry I am from the deepest crevices of my heart for the pain you will feel for the rest of your life. It's unimaginable. I pray that God will give you the strength to move on in the best way you can and to learn how to deal with going through something as tragic as this.
I write this letter mainly to the victims who were affected, but survived.
To all of the young girls, young women, young men, teenagers, parents, small children, siblings, workers.
To those of you who were still dancing with clogged ears from the amazing, live music.
To those who were smiling with absolute content, excited to tell friends or family back home what an amazing time you had.
To those of you who couldn't wait to re-watch the videos you took, to look back on the photos you took, to listen to the album all over again and sing along once more all the way home.
To those of you who left earlier than others to beat traffic and the large crowds.
To the parents waiting outside for their children.
To the workers inside of the building.
To everyone running, screaming, scared of what might happen to them if they didn't get out quick enough.
To those helping others to escape.
To those who were in disbelief of the situation, thinking that you can't believe it's actually happening to you.
To those crying, trying to find and contact parents.
To every single human being inside of the Manchester Arena that night who witnessed/heard/felt something as horrible and terrifying as what went down.
I am so sorry.
What happened to you wasn't fair, it wasn't normal, it wasn't acceptable.....It's not something anyone should ever have to go through. And I know it's something you will remember for the rest of your life. What was supposed to be one of your best memories is now stained with death, heartbreak, fear, and terror. It will now be your worst memory. I can't express or even think of the words to tell you how to feel better, or how to even feel period.
All I can say is that you must find your strength. Find it every single day and never, ever stop. Keep dancing, keep singing, keep smiling, keep going. No matter how hard it's going to be, you can't let them win. You are already beating them by continuing to breathe, smile, and feel emotions period. Don't let them take anything away from you. Don't let them instill you with fear, fight back.
Fight back for the rest of your life. Use this memory as fuel to push yourself, kindness, positivity, and your help towards every single person you meet every single day for the rest of the time you have left on this earth.
Tell your story, help others who were involved. The only person who knows what you feel is you. Use it and the voice you were given to rise up and fight back. Never give up. In the end, love will always win.
Fight for that forever.
