Sequins and Sea Breezes: One Year Later

One Year Later

6/12/2017


Sorry guys but things are going to be a little heavy this Monday morning because today is June 12th. To most it's just another day, to some it has a special meaning but to those of us who live here in Orlando, today marks one year since our community was rocked by the events that took place at Pulse Nightclub. That night will forever be etched in my memory and I wasn't even there and I'm not part of the LGBTQ community but I can only imagine what the survivors of that night feel not just today, but every day. The horror that took place that night is something that cannot ever be explained. 
Today marks 365 days since pain, terror and fear struck Orlando and the patrons of Pulse. In some ways it feels like a lifetime and in other ways it feels like it was just yesterday. They say that time heals all wounds but wounds leave scars and scars are always present reminders of how that wound happened, so that begs the question; does time really heal all wounds? Just because the pain is no longer there physically doesn't mean it's gone. Sitting here today I can still remember reading that first post from the Pulse Facebook page and praying it wasn't real but knowing in my heart it was. 8 words. 8 words that I will forever remember reading. That post is probably gone now but I and many will never forget. So has time really healed? Who's to say? What matters is that we've allowed the healing process to begin. What matters is that we have moved forward. Anger, sadness, love, hope - it's ok to feel all of these things. Not just today, every day. Any day. As long as we don't let the fear and anger take over it's ok to feel those emotions whenever because it is part of the healing process and feeling means we're alive. 
Today marks a day of a lot of feelings but it also marks a new year for Central Floridians. For this year I hope we will not let hate win. Today is Orlando United Day but I hope we can be united more than just today. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King
If you would like to donate to the onePULSE Foundation, you can make a donation or purchase a t-shirt here. Please note that I am in no way affiliate with the onePULSE Foundation and I am not receiving any compensation to push out their link. I am simply a girl from Orlando who loves and supports her community.


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23 comments

  1. Can't believe a year has gone by since then! What a scary thing that happened, so many sad things going on in the world!

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  2. It's hard to believe it's already been a year, but the Orlando community has come so far and been strong. Even the few years out from the Boston Marathon it still fresh in everyone's minds and you never forget the victims, the survivors or the people who risked their lives to save people. I remember seeing the lines in Orlando of people standing to give blood - it was amazing and your city is strong!

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  3. I cannot believe it's been a year. It doesn't seem that long. The memories of that tragedy are still so fresh and etched in my mind. I do love the positivity that came out of the senselessness. You could really feel the love and unitedness of Orlando. Thoughts are with Orlando and those affected today.

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  4. Wow, thanks for the reminder about this. I can't believe it's been a year.

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  5. feels like just yesterday but also feels like an eternity. i hope many spread all the love today and every day my friend! thanks for sharing the rawness and beautiful words today. love u!

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  6. Like I said on Kerri's post, I can't believe it's been a year. Such a heartbreaking day. Thinking of you all.

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  7. This post really touched my heart. After such a senseless tragedy, it's so amazing to see the community and really the entire nation coming together to remember those that were lost! Thank you for sharing the link for the t-shirt!! Definitely sharing with family and friends!!

    Rosy Outlook

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  8. So well written and such a great cause to support. Lots of love to Orlando today (and everyday) ❤️

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  9. I didn't realize that it was a year today. Sending lots of love and hugs to you and all of Orlando.

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  10. It's hard to believe it's already been a year. I remember watching it on the news that Sunday morning after it happened. What a great way to raise money, thanks for sharing the link to purchase the t-shirt. Sending lots of prayers to Orlando today!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

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  11. Wow, it's been a year! We were in Orlando that weekend visiting Disney. It was so strange to be so close to such a horrible event, especially since we felt "safe" in the Disney bubble. I really look forward to the day when we don't have to worry about things like that happening again.

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  12. I remember when I first heard about this and I couldn't believe it. So incredibly sad :( Praying for more peace and love in this world. xx

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  13. Thinking of you all today! I can't believe it's been a year!

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  14. Wow, I can't believe it's been a year already. Seems like it was only a few days ago that I watched it all on the news.
    Praying for Orlando and unity today and always.
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

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  15. Love this post! It still feels like it happened yesterday... Always praying for love for the world and less hate!

    Brittany :)
    www.kingdomofsequins.com

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  16. I still cannot believe that happened. That event made me want to love and be kind so much more. What a truly great quote from MLK. Thinking of you and Orlando today and always. Hugs.

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  17. So much love for you guys & Orlando today. Thank you for sharing this <3

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  18. It's still so crazy that it's already been a year since that horrible tragedy! You and Kerri are so right that today should be about spreading love and not about hate!

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  19. Thank you for the reminder! I can't believe it has been a year. So many prayers for those who were effected and for peace moving forward.

    Xoxo,
    Whitney & Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

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  20. amazing post dear :)
    happy Monday :)

    https://www.instagram.com/tijamomcilovic/
    http://itsmetijana.blogspot.rs/

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  21. Love the shirts and for a great cause to support our GLBT community and those affected. Visiting the Pulse memorial was such a sad scene but I love the support our community has shown since the horrible event. Can't believe it's been one year.

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  22. I can't believe it's already been a year since that awful day. Love the shirts and your support for the LGBT community.

    Lisa @ Showered With Design

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  23. Was thinking about you Florida girls all week. Such a terrible tragedy that will never be forgotten <3

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