Orlando: Hope and Love Last Longer
For a moment our hearts stopped.
We were out forΒ a brief Sunday drive. My 16 year old was proudly behind the wheel getting in some road time. The local pop station was playing and she was humming a tune. Then we heard the announcement about the Orlando mass shooting. In unison, we both drew in a loud breath as our hands leapt to our mouths.
No. No. No. No. No.
Here we are again. Β Here we ALL are again. Aurora. Boston. Columbine. Newtown. San Bernardino. Virginia Tech. Itβs times like these that we need to take a pause. A pause to not only to register such horrific events and the fragility of life, but to truly appreciate all the good we have in our lives β and the good we can give to others with courage, kindness, gratitude and care through social action. Β We are part of a larger humanity in which there is much more love than hate. Β It’s up to us to prove it.
And if we needed anything else to bring us to tears Sunday it was the compassionate sonnet for Orlando delivered by Lin-Manuel Miranda in his acceptance speech for a Tony award for the best original score for the smash musical Hamilton.Β
Watch the video clip: Β Lin-Manuel Miranda
βWhen senseless acts of tragedy remind us that nothing here is promised, not one day / This show is proof that history remembers / We live through times when hate and fear seem stronger / We rise and fall / Β and light from dying embers remembrances that hope and love last forever / Love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside.β
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
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- GoFundMe Campaign for Pulse Victims and Families
- Send Condolence Card to Orlando – Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
- Speak Up for Gun Violence Prevention
- DoSomething.org
- Human Rights Campaign: Ways to Help in the Wake of Orlando Shooting
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