We’ve All Heard The Reports...

I drifted to sleep last night to the dramatic sound of Nancy Grace. As she described the atrocities that occurred inside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.  In the hours since the news broke my emotions have been rattled.  They've been scattered and broken. From tears to smiles as the survivors are reunited with their families; to tears for the 49 lost senselessly to hate. 

I've been heartbroken and in shock. I've been angry. Livid, that in 2016 the hatred for your brothers and sisters can be so strong that this seems the only way to release the rage.

I've called my Mama just to remind her that I love her.  Called my friends,  called my boys in Florida. Text my former coach just to tell him how proud and happy I am that he is who he is and that he found the man of his dreams.

But mostly I've been grateful.  I'm grateful to wake up everyday in the arms of the woman I love.  Unashamed of who I am or the immense passion we share. I have held her a bit tighter and I've kissed her while she sleeps. I spent the entire day wrapped up in her.  Disregarding work and appointments. I've spent the last few days thanking God for placing her in my path the night we met;  for blessing me with someone so amazing and so graceful and beautiful and warm.  I am better,  stronger, more courageous with her at my side.

And above all else I am Me with her and I cannot wrap my head around Love being Wrong. Love breeding hatred.

As I write this she's snuggled into my chest.  Arms around me and safe. I'm one of the lucky ones.  My heart goes out to Orlando.  My heart goes out to the families without daughters and sons.  The partners without their other halves.  To the sisters, the brothers.  To the entire human race.

Pray for victims; for the survivors and for those who will never hear their loved one's laughter again.

We Are Orlando.