A co-owner of a restaurant, a film director, a musician, an assistant, a co-worker, a husband and wife, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a student, a tourist, a bus driver, an author, an engineer, a mother and her daughter, a father, a sister, a brother.

These are a few of those that lost their lives. These are who we must think of; they are who we will fight for.

Paris has been faced with an atrocity unlike any other since World War II. Could you imagine, just for a second, if that was someone you knew? Imagine your mother, your father, sister, co-worker, son, or daughter. What would you feel? What would you think?

I would be shattered. My life would come crashing down. My faith, my hope -- it would be forever changed, it would be wounded, and my being would be forever damaged.

Innocence was struck down by a group of terrorists that believed killing the defenseless was their destiny, their mission, and their life. Three of the involved attackers blew themselves up outside the Stade de France. Another died after detonating a suicide vest, and of the three involved in the Bataclan concert hall attack, two attackers died from their suicide vests, and the third from the shots of police.

What does this all mean? Why did they strike in Paris? What did they think this would accomplish? Who in their right mind lives and dies to kill?

These are just a few of the millions of questions running through the minds of the victims’ families, and the minds of those throughout the world.

The most frustrating and sickening thing about this is that the reason may not ever be known. Terrorism occurs without warning, without stone-cold reasoning, and without justice. Those that lost their lives are not coming back. Justice cannot be sought by those affected, they must grieve and mourn and reason why something so malicious and vengeful has happened, and come to an unsettling conclusion; it’s unknown.

It could have been anyone; in this world the fear within in all of us is that we live with the unknown. No one likes to talk about it because the “what ifs” in this lifetime are endless, and can be horrifying. But what we can focus on is where we go from here. What do we do to help these families, friends, and loved ones of the victims?

I cannot act like I have seen tragedy first hand like many have now. I cannot say that I know what it’s like to wake up in the night to the shrieks and gunshots, each aimed at another innocent life. I cannot say that I know what it is like to lose a loved one to terrorism. The truth is, many supporters that are reaching out to victims cannot relate personally to any of these things, but we now have people in this that can. They desperately need to feel the support of those around them.

Make something out of this, let this change your life, or else the attackers win. Terrorism wins. Don’t let it.

Our purpose in life is unclear; some believe in destiny, others believe in fate, and some don’t believe there is a plan for us. Regardless of who you are or where you’ve been, everyone has a story in this life, as did those who have fallen a victim in this attack. In this time of devastation when the light that is life is flickering, we will stand together, and find a way to grow and survive. Don’t let the lives lost die for nothing. If you are fearful, let it drive you. If you are angry, let it motivate you. If you are sorrowful, let those around you protect you.

I urge those who feel like they don’t have a part in this to take a minute and think of what you have to be grateful for in this world. I urge you to remind those you love why you love them. Stop assuming people know you love and cherish them. Tell them every day. Don’t let a disaster determine your love, your life. Strive to live and be strong every day even in the face of upheaval.

Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. In regards to the 129 lost victims, rest in peace.