Usually you would see that sort of hashtag associated with a disaster or tragedy that happened in another city, far away from where you live. You feel relieved; safe and a little disconnected because the images and stories you hear on the news is about someplace else, which is usually the case.
Usually.
This past weekend was a clear reminder that evil can happen in your own backyard.
We were still in shock at the news of a young pop singer who had been murdered by a deranged fan after her concert Friday evening at a venue downtown, when we awoke Sunday morning to breaking news of a shooting massacre that happened overnight at a night club in Orlando, just a couple of blocks down from the hospital where our children were all born. The gunman, who had pledged allegiance to radical groups abroad, drove up from Port St. Lucie (over 2 hours away) to commit the heinous act, specifically targeting the LGBT community. The initial shooting then became a hostage situation, where many more were shot to death and/or died from their injuries. The latest update confirmed 50 casualties, including the shooter, and 53 wounded. The largest mass shooting in the history of the United States, and the largest loss of life on US soil since 9/11.
The shock turned to numbness as the stories and news coverage continued to unfold.
Over the next 24 hours, days, and this entire week, we have continued to hear the updates, learn about the victims, watch the numerous vigils, and see the city, nation, and world come together as one community. It's been amazing to see the outpouring of love and support for those affected, from 8 hour long lines at the blood centers, to many churches offering free funeral services for the victims and their families, our church included. It has been an opportunity for people to show compassion to others, regardless of their religious beliefs and lifestyle orientation, because, in the end, we are all human.
We are all the same in His eyes.
A tragedy like this happens much more too often than it should, and we see the national conversation go back and forth from 2nd Amendment rights to gun-control, with little to no traction of seeing any progress to finding a solution for this issue. But if anything is to be learned, it is the lesson of tolerance and understanding and love. Tolerance of others regardless of their beliefs. Understanding that each person is a unique individual with their own opinions. Living your life filled with love towards others. This is a lesson I continue to learn, and one I pray we teach our own children through our words and actions.
Our city and its people will survive, and eventually we'll move on. But we'll always remain
Here was our week:
Thursday we traveled to Tampa with Mommy as she had an awards gala to attend there.
We stayed at the Marriott Waterside, it was really nice!
Settling in and continuing to read her books.
They wanted to go to the beach, but took a quick stop to see the pool first, with the ominous clouds ahead.
And of course, we had to put our feet in.
Driving to the beach. I don't think this is a good idea...
Yep, definitely not a good idea.
Can we just turn around now??
Lo and behold…no rain at the beach!!!
It was low tide so they enjoyed the sand bar and "walking on water".
Helping to fill sister's foot tub.
What a glorious sunset!
They enjoyed watching the sun go down in the ocean.
Mommy looking gorgeous for the gala.
Kohl was tuckered out as Brae stayed up to watch the basketball game with me.
Little sister was out too.
Gorgeous morning, a quick dip in the pool before checking out.
They enjoyed jumping off the island platforms, or
pushing each other off of it!
Complimentary ice pops?
Why yes, certainly!
We really liked this hotel!! We will be back!
Brunch at First Watch.
Afternoon at Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry.
Learning how to play with "strategery".
Uh oh, this cannot be good...
Kohl working on the moon.
The ladies fashion their long summer dresses for church!
The girls and
the boys for lunch at Sweet Tomatoes.
The Grodacks came over to hang out for the afternoon.
Working on some calisthenics Saturday evening.
Lunch date with the eldest. She wanted noodles and sushi buffet!
Attended Danica's birthday party Sunday afternoon.
The theme was Space Camp and they decorated their own paper maché helmets!
Look at these two future astronauts, how cool would that be?
The entire flight crew.
Brae and the birthday girl with their "space boots" on.
The food was served in a blacked out, glow in the dark space café! Awesome!
Meanwhile, Mommy took the twins to Rebounderz to get some energy out.
Maddy enjoyed cartwheeling into the foam pit.
Kohl works on his basketball game. "Hey, I can jump really high here!"
Monday started VBS for the kids at Markham woods.
Isabella came over a couple of times this week as the dads
worked together on a project for another upcoming VBS.
Lunch at Panera.
Met up with the Clarkes at Lowes for more supplies.
Snack time is a favorite time of the day!
Kohlden telling Mommy that he broke a picture frame playing ball inside the house.
25 mile ride Thursday morning on the Seminole-Wekiva Trail.
Had a young deer cross the trail mere feet in front of me!
Big kid day at the Whitakers, Brae and Calleigh got to hang out and swim with Marley.
They enjoyed looking at nature and hunting for bugs too.
The twins had a frozen yogurt treat at Sweet Frog.
What it's like to have 4 kids!
Supper at Fuzzy Tacos!
Randoms:
Our view from the 22nd floor of our hotel in Tampa.
What a second, isn't EVERYDAY Children's Day?!
These memes of our city floating around all week.
Different reactions from both Presidential candidates regarding the event in Orlando.
Really? We can't catch a break! Bad things happen in 3's. So devastated for the parents of the boy, how horrible!
I can't believe how beautiful your beach pictures are, Bravo Allen...What a week in Orlando, so glad my precious family is alive and well!
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