These people were so innocent. My heart genuinely hurts for the friends and family of the victims who lost their lives to a selfish and angry individual. This world will never be at complete peace, and that is, unfortunately, something we have to accept. We take a step back and look at people that cause these tragedies and think the same things over and over again. How could they do it? Why did they feel the need to commit such a vicious act? I wish that man realized, before doing what he did, that those victims were no different than him.
Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender does not just make someone gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Someone does not have to like the LGBT community. It's not existing for people to "like" it. It exists because it can, and it's OK. Stop telling people that it's not OK for them to be who they truly are. These people had lives, goals, aspirations, families, friends and so much more. Now they are being buried with untapped potential we will never see. Omar Mateen killed 49 people in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
Victims ranged from the age of 18 to 50, and there is a lot of mourning going on.
Akyra Monet Murray, 18, just graduated from West Catholic Prep School in Philadelphia. She received a full scholarship to attend Mercyhurst University in the fall, celebrating her graduation in Orlando, but the celebration ended.
Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50, was working for Forever 21 as a visual merchandiser. He was originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, but was living in Orlando.
Brenda Lee Marquez, 49, was a cancer survivor and a mother of 11 children. Before being killed, she was already battling two types of cancer.
Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22, and Christopher Andrew Leinonen, 32, had been dating for almost two years before being killed together, and will now be buried together.
Each of these victims were doing something with their lives before this night happened. So from now on, Akyra will never get to study at Mercyhurst. Franky will no longer be a staff member at Forever 21. Brenda will not be able to wake up to her 11 beautiful children in the morning. Juan and Christopher's families will now come together for a funeral and celebration of life, rather than a wedding. Each one of these people had a significance and meant a lot to many others that they have crossed paths with.
Christina Grimmie, 21, was also selfishly murdered days before in Orlando at her meet-and-greet signing after her putting on a show. Her last performance, and no one knew it would be. This beautiful soul worked so hard to get to where she was currently at in the music industry and was only scratching the surface. More potential, being buried.
I hope the families of these victims find peace and comfort one day. Until then, we stand with Orlando.
