The tragic events in orlando over the past week(the Christina Grimmie shooting, the Pulse shooting, the alligator attack at Grand Floridian) have weighed very heavily on me. As you probably can tell from my pictures, race recaps and basically my life, Orlando is somewhere I spend a lot of time. I have been there 3 times in January and 5 times since a year ago. I love flying into Orlando and the airport feels comforting to me.
To me, Orlando is a place I go that is fun-I live for my Disney parks and Universal parks. Seeing Mickey, riding Spaceship earth, walking (or running) through World Showcase, seeing the dragon in Diagon, having a Hog's tea are all things I cherish and enjoy doing. Knowing that there are people that lost their lives that have worked to ensure myself and others have a magical experience, is just a lot for me to handle. A friend of my cousin was also killed at Pulse which really just brings it closer to home. And then to hear about the alligator attack on a beach at a hotel I have been at many times, is just too much to fathom. It has been a heavy week for Orlando and I will continue to pray and hope for peace.
Knowing there are people that were just out to have a good time like I do often with my friends and family, just proves that life cannot be taken for granted and that you have to live your life to the fullest each day. I try and do this already, but I will definitely not be passing up opportunities to see friends and family and letting them know how much I care for and love them.
Now, how can you help? Donating time and money is always a good one: the One Orlando is the main one being promoted. Before you donate money, do make sure to do some vetting to make sure that it will go to help the victims.
If you are looking for a way to be a bit more active, but also help-look into some running! You can join up with Mallory and the Hogwarts Running Club, and I just signed up for the Virtual #OrlandoUnited 5k.
so a bit of a somber post, but i think it is important to discuss. I have been asked if any of these events will stop me from going to Orlando or give me pause on going to crowded places and for me, of course they will not. I will not live in fear of what may happen but I will be very cognizant of my surroundings and always try and be safe.
Love is love is love is love is. <3