The world can seem like a dark place. Sometimes the world is a dark place, a place where no hope, no light, and no happiness can be seen. Over the past week, the world has been this place for so many people. So many people were hurt by the actions of one terrible man, and so many people don't know how to see a brighter future. This is what I have to say to you:
To all the children, teenagers and adults who lost their lives, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that what was supposed to be one of the best nights of your lives, ending up being the last. I'm sorry that you couldn't be protected from the evil in the world in the last place that anyone thought evil would strike. The world is mourning your loss and celebrating your life. Although that doesn't make it better, and it won't make you come back, hopefully, it means something.
To the families of those who were lost, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that you sent your family members somewhere to have fun, to have the time of their lives, and this happened. I'm sorry that you might think this is your fault, that if maybe you didn't let them go to that concert, they would still be here. This is not your fault. And you can't live your life in fear. You were right to let them go out and have fun, you did nothing wrong.
To all the people there that night, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that your safe space was infiltrated and made to feel unsafe. I'm sorry that the one place that was supposed to make you forget all of your worries and let go, ended up being a place that caused more worries. I'm sorry that what was supposed to be memorable because of the joy you felt, ended up being memorable for worse reasons. I'm sorry you may never feel safe again, but I truly hope that one day you can.
To Ariana Grande, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that you think this is your fault. I'm sorry that this happened at a place where you tried to bring happiness and joy. I'm sorry that everything you stand for was shattered by one man with malicious intentions. I'm sorry that you forever have to remember that this happened, that this happened at a place where all you were trying to do was spread love. This is not your fault. I'm glad you're deciding to find the light in all of this, but I hope you decide to take the time that you need to feel whole again.
And to the world, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that our children, our family, our people, died because someone decided to be evil. I'm sorry that our concept of safety was shattered in an instant. But I'm also proud. I'm proud of the way the world came together to support each other. I'm proud of the compassion and love and joy and empathy that everyone has shown each other the past few days. I'm sorry for the tragedy, but I'm happy that there are enough kind souls in the world to turn a tragedy into something that brings us all closer.
I'm sorry that bad things happen. But I'm happy that we know how to deal with them.
