The day we wrote our last update, Christina Grimmie was killed in a theater 5 miles from our home. The next day 49 people were killed and 53 injured at the Pulse Nightclub shooting, also 5 miles from our home.
In October we will have lived in Orlando 25 years. We love this city. Our hearts are broken over the terrorist attack/hate crimes that happened here last week.
What most people know about Orlando is Disney World. Orlando has a relatively small downtown and we live in a close suburb. We drive past Pulse several times a week. It is a very popular club. We consider the area part of our “neighborhood.”
Last week in our Target store an announcement came over the loudspeaker asking for a moment of silence honoring the lives lost. Two of their employees had been killed in the mass shooting at Pulse.
The victims of this crime are people we shop with, walk past, etc. Downtown Orlando has a relatively large LGBT community that is very much a part of the everyday life of the city and our lives. Friends of our kids’ friends died in the attack. It is horribly sad.
Last week in our Target store an announcement came over the loudspeaker asking for a moment of silence honoring the lives lost. Two of their employees had been killed in the mass shooting at Pulse.
The victims of this crime are people we shop with, walk past, etc. Downtown Orlando has a relatively large LGBT community that is very much a part of the everyday life of the city and our lives. Friends of our kids’ friends died in the attack. It is horribly sad.
We also are extremely proud of the way the city has responded. We have friends who are first responders who were involved. They have done an incredible job, especially considering the size of our city! Orlando churches have responded with kindness, offering free funerals, counseling, and other resources. The city of Orlando created a fund to provide for those impacted by the shooting.
When we heard about the attack I was surprised by the feelings I had. I had a huge sense of sadness, but also a resolve. We were going to do what we could to help, but part of that was going where we normally go and doing what we normally do. Some of us tried to get tickets to the Orlando City soccer game (which was sold out). We went to Disney. We shopped our regular stores in the area.
Please join us in praying for Orlando, especially the victims and their families. This really is a great place to live.
Nothing makes death more real than when it gets close and personal. When I'm praying attention, I realize every siren is some people personally suffering. You know the source and the solution, John 10:10
ReplyDeleteI meant"paying attention" but praying works. Thanks autocorrect.
Delete