I was sitting at the table, playing with my 6 year old daughter, when the news out of Manchester started to come in. Initially, I gasped.
Now, sadly, my daughter is used to me looking at my phone. And she is used to me working all through out the day & night. The radio never shuts off and if something needs to be done, I'm on the team to get that going...no matter the time.
But this time, she knew it was different. She kept asking me... "What, Mommy?" "What Happened?"
In my brain... so much going on.
How many were hurt?
Who do I know that would be there?
Are we on the air with this?
Start gathering info...
Get online...
But first, my daughter's sweet face is looking at me, trying to the get the read of the situation. I lied to her. I told her that it was just work... and that I needed to send a few emails. I sat at the table with her, still half playing... while sending out messages and emails. Unfortunately we live in a world where a few horrible people can change the way we do things.
Concerts. Some of my FAVORITE memories are at concerts.
Coming together to sing, dance, feel, and have fun... that is what a concert should be. As an anxious person, I always have this fear in the back of my head. Will something happen at this show, this game, this event? But as a human, I've always pushed through that fear and lived, experienced, and been happy I did.
We work at these shows. We know these artists, dancers, choreographers, crew, and management teams. We know those who run and work at the venues. This attack in Manchester strikes right at my worst fear & my heart.
I celebrate live music EVERY DAY. LIVE MUSIC absolutely replenishes my soul. It gives me energy when I have none left and reminds me why I do what I do. LIVE MUSIC allows me to leave the stress of the world, if only for a few hours.
I WILL NOT GIVE THAT UP!
We will need to be more vigilant. We will need to bring those responsible to justice (I have no doubt that will happen.) But most importantly, we need to LIVE!
Don't let fear win. Because then, they win.
When it is right for you... go out, and celebrate music. I know I will.
Until then... hold your loved ones extra tight. And sing into their ear. For now, that will be my concert.
Sending love and prayers to all effected by this tragedy.
Above all... BE KIND.
And always report ANYTHING you see as suspicious.
xo ~Jana
#PrayForManchester