Ten years ago, Christine Leinonen woke up to the devastating news that her son Christopher had been shot at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. He was among the 49 people killed in the tragic event. As the city prepares to honor the victims and survivors, many are still grappling with the pain and grief that remains.

A Community’s Response

The Orlando community came together in the aftermath of the shooting, with over 28,000 pints of blood donated to blood banks and a crowd of 50,000 people gathering for a candlelit vigil. The city’s response was marked by kindness and love, with many showing support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Deborah Beidel, executive director of the University of Central Florida’s RESTORES program, worked with families and first responders in the days following the shooting. She notes that the community’s response was unique and has stayed together over the years.

Grief and Recovery

For Christine Leinonen, the 10-year remembrance has brought back painful memories. She has been working through her grief by advocating for safe gun laws and investigating the city’s institutional procedures on the night of the shooting. John Super, a professor of counseling at UCF, explains that milestone remembrances like the 10-year anniversary can stir up old wounds and cause people to reflect on the tragedy.

The Pulse shooting has had a lasting impact on the community, with many still experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. However, the city’s response has also shown the power of love and kindness in the face of tragedy.

Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.