A Night That Changed Everything
The last 48 hours have felt heavier than anything I’ve ever carried. What happened in the town I love — in the restaurant where I work, where countless memories have been made — has shaken me to my core. The tragedy that unfolded is something I never imagined witnessing, and the weight of that moment continues to echo through every thought, every breath, and every prayer. It wasn’t just another night at work. It became a moment that split life into “before” and “after,” leaving behind fear, confusion, and a deep sense of heartbreak that words barely capture.
When Tragedy Touches Home
I was working my shift, trying to keep the night moving smoothly, when I saw my family walk through the doors for dinner. Not long after, the unthinkable happened — gunshots shattered the air, turning a place of comfort into a scene of chaos and terror. My heart stopped. My breath vanished. All I could think was Where is my family? Are they safe? Those seconds felt like hours as screams rang out and people fled in desperation. In that terrifying blur, I found myself desperately searching for my loved ones, praying they were untouched by the violence unfolding around us.
By the grace of God — and God alone — my family was protected. They were spared in a moment that could have torn everything from me. That relief, mixed with overwhelming sorrow for those who weren’t as fortunate, cut deep. I’m thankful, but I’m hurting. We all are. Because even when your own family is safe, the pain of witnessing others suffer is unbearable. It leaves a mark that doesn’t fade easily.
Prayers, Healing, and the Power of Kindness
As I replay those moments, as I watch the community grieve, as I see faces filled with fear and heartbreak, one thing becomes clear: we desperately need each other right now. We need compassion. We need understanding. We need love in a world that feels like it’s falling apart far too often. I ask — sincerely and humbly — for prayers. Prayers for every family shattered by this tragedy. Prayers for the injured, the traumatized, the grieving. Prayers for the first responders who ran toward danger when everyone else ran away. And prayers for healing, because this wound is deep, and recovery will take time.
We don’t always get answers. We don’t always get explanations. But we can choose kindness. We can choose grace. We can choose to look at one another with gentler eyes and softer hearts. In moments like this, humanity becomes our greatest strength.