I have struggled for days trying to come up with something to say that could ease the pain of such senseless terrorism but I have nothing but silence.

These victims, some who survived unspeakable horrors, had their lives cut short by unfathomable hatred.

My heart breaks for their families and friends but I urge them to keep alive the memories and stories of their loved ones. These stories must not die. We must tell their stories and the stories of all of our histories. Telling them as a reminder of what is good, what is not, and hopefully these stories can become a lesson to all who hear.

Never forget history–where we came from, what was fought for, what we must preserve. We are here to love and help because of our humanity not our color, religion, or gender.

Be kind. Be empathic. Be brave. Be you.