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For most of us, fear drives our journey in life. We fear the things we do not understand. No one can understand the horrible things that occurred in and around Paris on Friday the 13th in November of 2015. My heart goes out to everyone involved and the friends and loved ones of those who were in the city on this terrifying night.
This disaster is a reminder of the terrors that exist in the world. What it also showed the world was how much good is still left. Thousands of people opened up their homes to those that had no place to go as they evacuated the city. Taxi drivers offered free rides to help people escape as quickly as possible. The Facebook group Girls Who Travel erupted in roll calls and words of compassion for fellow travelers and traveling sisters they didn’t even know. The acts that occurred in Paris today were that of evil and of pure goodness.
I am touched by the outpouring of love and support given to Paris from citizens and countries around the world. The U.S. lit up the World Trade Center red white and blue in honor of France as did many other countries with their monuments. Facebook erupted into posts helping those in the city locate the number for their embassy and helping friends and strangers get to safety. I also saw multiple posts surfacing pleading people to identify buildings in pictures so that they can find their loved ones to make sure they were okay.
The beautiful city of Paris had a large impact on me when I visited it. I strolled through the streets, had a picnic and a bottle of wine in front of the Eiffel Tower Light show, attached a lock to the love lock bridge right before it was taken down, saw the world from the top of the Eiffel tower, and fell deeper in love with my boyfriend all the while. It hurts me to see this city that has brought me so much happiness and so many fond memories in distress.
I hurt for the ones who witnessed all of this tragedy, for the ones who didn’t make it, for the ones who were just passing through, for the family and friends who have to go through their lives missing a part of themselves, and for the travelers whose love for adventure was extinguished today. Nothing can undo what has been done to our world today but with the love and kindness I have witnessed in response to the tragedy, I know that those affected have a strong support system ready to be there to help them pull through.
I am truly sorry to everyone that lost a loved one or a friend today from the tragedy in Paris. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace to all that have passed away. You will be greatly missed.