A Thank You.

Bonsoir Friends,

It is kind of hard to do a follow up from my last post but I think that a “Thank you” styled post would be suitable. Last Thursday was a surreal day, and it still does not really make sense to me but I just continue on with life. So, that day is shaded with sad stories and more hate toward certain races, religions, etc.. But, I personally would like to take a minute to thank a few people for playing a part in saving my life, even in the smallest way.

First, I am thankful for my friend from Switzerland for changing our groups path from the beach, and recommending that we avoid the crowd and cut the line on the stairs. Saving us about 5 minutes…Kind of crazy to think what could have happened if we let the beach clear first.

I’d also like to thank the man who knew the code to open not only the gates to the alley we hid in, but for knowing the code into the apartment building that I stayed in for most of the night. Without your knowledge and kindness, some of us would have only been left to running for our lives.

Next, thank you to the French man that opened his doors to let us use the restroom and gave us water while we waited for more information. He also kept us updated from what the news had been saying. When a girl on in my program tried to help give us a ride and find us, this man spoke to her host family to explain where we were located and I am so thankful for this gesture.

Thank you to my friends host parents for trying to help us get out of our situation by offering us a ride home. We were unable to take their offer due to the restrictions in the streets, but their kindness meant a lot to all of us. Shout out to this specific friend because her calmness and strength kept me sane on the other side of the phone. She stayed on the line with me for over 20 minutes and she was experiencing her own interpretation of the situation. She is such a strong person and I am so thankful for her calmness and help that night.

Thank you to the French police and military for controlling the situation after the fact and reassuring safety. Thank you to all of the people that immediately went to the hospital the next day to donate blood for those in critical condition. Thank you to all the doctors and nurses who worked to save the lives of the victims. Thank you to the strangers on the streets for helping my friends understand what was going on and to the strangers that opened their doors to not only me, but my terrified friends as well. That takes a lot of trust and kindness. Thank you to anyone who reached out to those in need on this tragic night.

Lastly, thank you to all the friends and family at home who sent me kind regards and prayers, I could not feel more love and support from so far away. You all are seriously the best and I am anxious to see all of you when I return in August. Your words, long or short, meant so much to me.

I do not know if this is the post I should be following up with but I think it was necessary to highlight the kindness in this situation. Hate often shields the kindness in the world because its impact is greater, but finding the goodness in your heart to be kind everyday is important and deserves to be recognized. My heart is still heavy for France, as it has experienced a lot of heartache this past year. I know that with my new knowledge of these horrible situations I will return home with a new perspective of spreading kindness as much as possible. Hate is alive and well in this world, but so is love and love conquers all.

Just a summary of this past week: 

I have spent a lot of time with the people in my group in hope to understand and cope with this event. We have visited new cities close to Nice and spent lots of time trying to make happy memories to shade the bad one that weighs on our minds. This trip has been nothing less than amazing, I am so thankful to be here and experience it all. Nothing can change the memories I have already made and the ones that are yet to be discovered. This attack only adds a story to go with the others, I am not regretting any part of this trip, even that day. The hate in the world wants to find its way into our souls with negative thoughts and through these acts of terror, but resisting these thoughts will keep you healthy and happy. I am looking forward to my last few days in Nice, and my last week in Paris, but I know my heart is sad to be leaving so soon.

This post was mostly to thank all of those involved in my crazy Thursday and I will really try to have a fashion/travel post to you next week. I hope you stay tuned and keep up with me! Thank you for reading today and I love you all. See you soon!

Cheers.

xo, Lyss