6/12/17, One Love

Hi Everyone,

I hope things are going smoothly and happily for you.

I was so touched by something last week that I just wanted to share it with you, although I’m sure you know about it too.

After the recent terrorist attack at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, with many injuries and deaths—– Ms. Grande organized and performed at a benefit concert in Manchester on June 4th, the proceeds to benefit those injured at the original concert.  It was a star studded, and deeply moving evening with performances by Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Pharrell Williams, Black Eyed Peas, and Robbie Williams, and other performers and bands. Fifty thousand people attended, and THIRTEEN million dollars were raised, from donations and ticket sales, with more still coming in. The response was overwhelming, and the cause so worthwhile. Ms. Grande has volunteered to pay for the funerals of those who died in the attack. The One Love Manchester concert was such a brave and heartwarming thing to do, appreciated by all.

I saw a video of the concert and in particular her final song, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. Watching her perform, seeing her cry, seeing tears running down the faces of the people in the audience, it ripped my heart out and I just sat there and cried.

My niece was gravely injured in the terrorist attack in Brussels a year ago, but has survived, with incredible spirit and courage. So many others have been injured and have died in these horrifying senseless attacks. More attacks in London recently, after the carnage in Manchester. Another stabbing. New attacks in France only this week—-with a hammer, with machetes. The Bataclan attack, Nice last summer. When will it stop? Where is this taking us? How long will fear and terror and senseless destruction impact us and control us?

This has to stop. Somewhere Over the Rainbow has to be Now. The pain of lost loved ones and devastated lives HAS to stop. May One Love Manchester, and the loving gesture of Ariana Grande put balm on the wounds and get us back on the right path. Now. Kudos and my admiration to Ariana Grande, and once again my heartfelt sympathy to those who suffered injuries, or losses in Manchester, and all of the attacks.

with all my love, Danielle

PS reading your very touching comments to last week’s blog, about the foundation we established in my son’s honor:

I just want to tell Laura how very, very sorry I am about your nephew. You have my very deepest sympathy. And only a month later, you are probably still in shock about the loss. These tragic deaths by suicide are very hard to live with. I came to realize that, although we did absolutely everything we could to save Nick and help him, in the end, it was his decision and we couldn’t stop him. He once said to me “If I want to do this, Mom, you can’t stop me”. He was right, we couldn’t, we tried very hard. In some cases, you can turn the tides, but in other cases, you can’t. Try to know that you couldn’t change what happened, it wasn’t in your control, it was in his. You will always miss him, but in time, you will feel more peaceful about it. The loss is huge, but in time, you will laugh and smile when you think of him, remember silly things he did, and fun times you shared. Those we love and lose stay in our hearts forever. My deepest sympathy to you, love, Danielle

And to Keyla, who “feels so lost that nothing makes sense”, and asks what to do when you feel that way. The answer for each of us is different. For some it is medication which helps, for others its religion, for others talking to a friend, or a counselor or therapist. A friend may bring you comfort, or cuddling a pet, or a loved one may say things that resonate for you, or a 12 step group, a support group of some kind, or exercise, or going for a walk every day, or yoga. The answer is different for each of us. Try to reach out for what makes the most sense to you, and just as life seems worse at times, it also gets better. Hang on for that time, and try to find what feels best to you, and makes your life better again. love, Danielle