When news broke of a “massacre” in Manchester I first thought, “Wait, what just happened? That [Ariana Grande] concert was probably filled with young girls—teens close to my niece’s age!” And then it sunk, deep down inside, that this horrific news was actually true. I had no words. None. I wanted to hang onto shreds of disbelief but as I flipped through channel after channel, trying to gather greater details, the reality of our world and terrorism became overwhelming. Nothing in these moments could explain how shocked I felt and simultaneously how my mind was recalling recent memories of accompanying my sister to buy Ariana perfume for my niece at Ulta…and plans of surprising her with Ariana concert tickets…and how this could have been us but in a different city…

If you or your family have suffered a loss from this senseless act of evil I want you to know that I am sending my deepest condolences. I can’t imagine what you’re going through or what you’re thinking. Your loved ones did not deserve this and I’m sorry for your loss.

xo Moni