This is a response to the one-word prompt “Rebuild” by “The Daily Post.”
When life is interrupted briefly and abruptly in tragedies, the capacity of the human spirit for rebuilding afterwards and getting on with life is extraordinary and a wonderful thing. This is the coming together of community to help and be there for those effected. As I read and watch the news about the night club shooting in Orlando, Florida early Sunday morning at 2:00 am; I am sadden and sickened that such an evil act could take place, yet I am also heartened by the fact of people coming together. I am heartened by the fact that there is still hope.
This is a most horrific/evil event to have taken place by a most evil person, doing so from early reports in the name of religion, in the name of God. That is just unexplainable to me that someone can kill even one person let alone 49 or any number in the name of their religion. The victims of this horrible event where just trying to enjoy life and have a good time only to be confronted by such evil.
Yet, despite the loss of life, the loss of opportunity, and the hurt that this despicable-evil act caused there is still hope. There is hope, hope in healing and morning, hope in the offerings of condolences and offered prayers. This is the beauty of the “rebuilding spirit” of humanity, that no matter what happens, “we will endure.”
To rebuild is not to forget, not to ignore, but also and most importantly not to let this shooting or any tragedy palaize us as individuals and as a society. By rebuilding, we say to the world and to those who would encourage such evil acts, “You will not win, you will not take away our lives, our hopes and dreams.” We morn and remember those that were lost; we move on and adapt our lives to new realities. But make no mistake we will continue to live as we want to live, not as others want.
No matter, how tragic and/or how senseless an event may be, it is important to remember that there is always hope and that life will go on and things will get better. This is done through the rebuilding process. As long as we have hope, we still have meaning and purpose and thus can never lose.
To all the victims of this senseless tragedy, and to the friends and family, you are not alone; the whole of the United States is with you. You will rebuild, you will live on, you will continue to have dreams, hopes, fears, and everything that life has to offer. You are down, but not out. Get up, dust off and rebuild, we will be with you, as you do so.