"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty". Mahatma Gandhi
The morning of July 20, 2012 I woke up to find a tragedy had occurred a mere 16 miles from my home. A gunman entered a movie theater during a midnight showing of The Dark Knight. Thankfully my family and friends were all safe and sound but my heart ached for all of the victims . I have gone to so many midnight movie openings. It's fun to think that you are the first one to see a movie before anyone else and a theater is the last place you would ever feel unsafe. That all changed on that dark morning.
Watching this tragedy unfold on the news, one thing stood out for me. It wasn't this sick individual but the way the victims and law enforcement pulled together to save others. It took the Aurora Police Department less than a minute and half to respond. This isn't the first tragedy to hit Colorado and because of the Columbine shootings in 1999 police procedures were much more efficient. Instead of waiting for SWAT the PD entered the building and I believe were quick to save lives.
Stories began circulating of other victims who saved others lives by getting them safely out of the building. 19 year old Jarrell Brooks saved a mother and her two kids. When interviewed on television Brooks said "I was at the wrong place at the right time." Matthew McQuinn was only 27 when he lost his life shielding his girlfriend from the bullets. When something horrific like this happens we sometimes focus on the shooter. I don't believe he deserves our attention I'm choosing to focus on the courage that these people showed even in the face of danger.
I don't know any of the victims but I feel sadness and anger knowing this happened in a suburb of my city. It could have easily been any of us my brother and cousins live near the theater and I've been there myself. I refuse to let this sick individual dictate the way I live. I am going to appreciate every minute and I'm so very grateful to have so many beautiful people in my life. Today I am going to the theater to watch a movie because I will not live in fear.
I know the reality is that there will always be people out there that want to cause harm to others but I'm holding on to the hope that one day that will change. So I will conclude this post by sending one message. Take a moment to look around and thank god for all of your blessings. For me I have a loving family, wonderful friends, and an all around happy life. When the small things start to wear me down I need to take moment to remember I have the biggest blessing of all....Life. Enjoy every moment.
Watching this tragedy unfold on the news, one thing stood out for me. It wasn't this sick individual but the way the victims and law enforcement pulled together to save others. It took the Aurora Police Department less than a minute and half to respond. This isn't the first tragedy to hit Colorado and because of the Columbine shootings in 1999 police procedures were much more efficient. Instead of waiting for SWAT the PD entered the building and I believe were quick to save lives.
Stories began circulating of other victims who saved others lives by getting them safely out of the building. 19 year old Jarrell Brooks saved a mother and her two kids. When interviewed on television Brooks said "I was at the wrong place at the right time." Matthew McQuinn was only 27 when he lost his life shielding his girlfriend from the bullets. When something horrific like this happens we sometimes focus on the shooter. I don't believe he deserves our attention I'm choosing to focus on the courage that these people showed even in the face of danger.
I don't know any of the victims but I feel sadness and anger knowing this happened in a suburb of my city. It could have easily been any of us my brother and cousins live near the theater and I've been there myself. I refuse to let this sick individual dictate the way I live. I am going to appreciate every minute and I'm so very grateful to have so many beautiful people in my life. Today I am going to the theater to watch a movie because I will not live in fear.
I know the reality is that there will always be people out there that want to cause harm to others but I'm holding on to the hope that one day that will change. So I will conclude this post by sending one message. Take a moment to look around and thank god for all of your blessings. For me I have a loving family, wonderful friends, and an all around happy life. When the small things start to wear me down I need to take moment to remember I have the biggest blessing of all....Life. Enjoy every moment.
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