I am me -- nothing more than you. I am gay. I went to school, took an intro course to emergency response. I didn't think about my life. I held a woman in my arms and staunched her wounds. I am me.
I am me. I am a Republican grandmother. I liked the young woman who is a Democrat. I had questions for her. Respectful questions. I am still me because so many know who I was.
I am me. I love to dance. I play baseball. I swim. I think. I want my family to live a great life. I was born on a day of great tragedy. I died on a day of great tragedy. I am still me.
I am me. I reach for my husband. I touch the ring I slipped on his finger. I want to hear the voices that choke with fear and give them solace. I am in a bed with my brain wrapped like a swaddled baby but I am still me.
I am me. I am angry, maligned, persecuted. I may take my grievances to the grave. I may put others there first.
I am me. I have no moral compass but I am paid not to have one. I have the words, the access to find you -- you who are angry, maligned, persecuted. We can be reckless together but only you will get the credit, the infamy, the wiki-page. I am me. There's many of you and I will keep finding you until I am gone.
I am me. I understand hatred but it is a chink in my humanity. I don't understand violence: in small cutting remarks, stinging slaps or brutal abuse. I don't understand hatred strong enough to destroy innocents whether through words or weapons. I am me. I have never gotten used to annhiliation of character, spirit or breath.
Peace and blessings for all who have been murdered because of senseless hatred. Peace and blessings for all who have suffered grievous injury because of senseless hatred. Peace and blessings for their family and friends. Peace and blessings for this nation ravaged by senseless hatred.