When a mass murder scene happens – as it does all too often nowadays – I can usually objectively detach myself from the situation. After all I wouldn’t normally be in a gay bar in Orlando, a night club in Istanbul, a Christmas party in San Bernadino, an elementary school in Connecticut, a theater in Paris.
Today was different. I’ve been in Terminal 2 at Fort Lauderdale airport many times, picked up my bags at that fatal baggage claim, stood outside the doors waiting for a hotel shuttle. I probably smiled and said hi to the very security guys who put their lives on the line today. It was only about 6 weeks ago that I checked in at Terminal 2 to go back to Montreal. The images are all to familiar to me.
Not only that but my niece was in Fort Lauderdale today. Her ship is still there – the port entrance was closed for a while. I didn’t know if she may have gone ashore on turnaround day and couldn’t get back – but she’s fine. Apparently today was a day to stay aboard. I don’t envy her the job of welcoming a bunch of jittery cruisers tonight.
I like Fort Lauderdale – a lot. It’s sad to see a cool familiar place be so messed up. And innocent people died today picking up a suitcase.
We can never be happy to see evil happen – terrorist evil or just plain old craziness evil. It’s worse when it gets as personal as it did today. Pray for everyone involved.