We are Vegas Strong

7 years ago, life was different for thousands of people. 7 years ago thousands of people were getting ready to head to the final day of the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas. Vendors, first responders, security personnel, people scanning tickets, artists and so many more.

Some were experiencing a concert for the first time, some for the hundredth time. Some went with groups of friends, some even attended alone.

The thing about music is that it brings us all together. For those few hours, we let the rest of the world, our problems, our issues, our stresses are left at the door/gate of that show. And that is a beautiful thing. It brings a sense of community. We have all gathered for the same reason... to enjoy live performances by artists that, some we have never heard before, and some that we listen to every day.

It had always been safe. Safe to relax, safe to enjoy, let your guard down, be in the moment, talk to strangers because of that common bond, the love of music.

And now, so many are bonded for a different reason...because of the shared traumatic experience that was Oct 1, 2017. The Route 91 Harvest Festival.

Whether you were at the concert, knew people at the concert, were going to go, but didn't, or maybe left early, or even just lived nearby, or had to mark yourself safe the morning after...this affected us all.

All in different ways, at different levels. And as different as our experiences are, our healing is also different. There are some who still attend concerts and who are up front next to the stage, others still have panic attacks when they walk into a crowded space, or can't see an exit. And where ever you are in your healing journey...Its okay.

I hope that you will always remember that you ARE STRONGER THAN WHATEVER TRIED TO HURT YOU. You, me. we are #VegasStrong