I had a lot to think about traveling on the way back from home this past weekend due to the tragedy in Orlando.  Of course I wasn’t able to see much of the news when it first happened as I was visiting my grandparents at the Rugby cemetery which is kind of ironic.  The world we live in can be a very scary place and tragedy can strike at any moment but I have to believe there is more love out there than hate.

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Amazing human beings were taken to soon on the night of…… and yes it was a gay bar but should that define them? These individuals were someone’s mom, dad, brother, sister, spouse, and friend.  How many times has a tragedy happened at a “Straight Bar” and do they label it that way in the media?  These individuals no matter what their sexual orientation had so much love surrounding them on that horrible night.  They were at the dance club to enjoy themselves, listen to music and dance.  I have seen their faces, heard from family and friends, listened about their hopes and dreams on the media and most of them were better human beings than I am.  They were targeted that night by a very ugly human being who had obviously many mental health issues.  I ask myself, how could anyone do this? However, I ask this question almost on a daily basis as there is so much hate in our society.

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How does one become a cruel person as you are born with love?  I believe it is learned from those who surround us.  We are all creatures of habit and if all you know is to be hurtful to people that may not fit in the societal norm then hate is born.  I see it in comments some of family makes when I’m around them or via Facebook.  Media and the internet definitely play roles in this picture as again there is so many unnecessary  hateful comments towards one another.  How about we all try to see each other’s differences and faults but still love one each other.  I think it is beautiful if one can embrace the beauty an individual has even if it doesn’t fit in with what someone may believe is the “norm.”

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I received an email from Jocey’s (my daughter) teacher one day about how she got caught kissing another little girl on the lips during lunch.  When the teacher asked her why they were doing that the answer was simple and innocent “because we are friends and we like each other.” Of course the teacher explained we don’t do that in school.  I approached this subject with calmness when asking her what happened that night when she got home from school.  She told me that she saw all of us around her kissing on the lips because we loved each other.  She also asked if girls can marry girls and of course told her that yes they can.  My little girl also loves chasing boys and kissing them too but this all made me think a lot more when it comes to loving someone.  What if my daughter was gay, what if she isn’t and should it really matter what her sexual orientation is?  I would love my daughter and support her no matter what as she is my child. Jimmy Fallon said it best when it comes to this tragedy, Click Here for Video.  I think we are all to quick to judge and do not put ourselves is other’s shoes as to what they go through and how they feel.  We are so quick to say and do things that are hurtful towards others without thinking first.

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I guess it also brings me back to the whole Target issue with transgender individuals.  You can say all these things that you would do or wouldn’t do if you were transgender but you have no idea unless you actually are transgender.  I can’t imagine being transgender and hearing/seeing all the hateful things that were said.  Everything is so backward as we worry about a transgender person being in a bathroom with our children but we let an individual like the Harvard swimmer who brutally raped someone be in the same bathroom as others.

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We need to find more love and use that against all this hate as I am fearful for what our world will eventually come to. Look at the family you have and love them for who they are.  Tell them everyday that they are amazing and hold them tightly in your arms.  Call the friends that you have and tell them that they make you a better person and that they matter.  Tell that stranger in the street that they are beautiful and you are happy to see them.  We all need to try and be more compassionate  and patient with one another. Let’s take back the world with one smile at a time.  If everyone decided to put in the effort the results would be beautiful. Do not let hate win!  Keep Dancing!

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Music has been all over the place as I have this sadness in me since the weekend so here it is and I hope you enjoy: *Click on Titles to Listen*

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This life is filled with hurt
When happiness doesn’t work
Trust me, and take my hand
When the lights go out, you’ll understand

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