Last year was a 4th of July that no one expected. Jay and I were visiting family in my hometown of Highland Park, IL. We attended the Fourth of July parade and experienced a mass shooting firsthand. Seven lives were tragically taken that day, with several other people injured and everyone there impacted by the horrific and senseless violence.
As we prepare to go home again for the holiday, we want to honor and remember those lost while uniting as a community both to grieve and to find fresh strength.
Below, I am including links from my post from last year and to a piece Jay wrote for The Arrow about his experience at the shooting.
The 4th of July will always feel different from here on out. But the most important thing is being with those you love. I hope you can all enjoy being with your loved ones this holiday, and I hope you find time to practice some gratitude. Every second counts.
P.S. I will be enjoying quality time with family next week and attending a women’s jiu-jitsu camp, so I will catch up with you all in a couple weeks. Sending love to all!