268,562
total hearts received for Moments That Survive

Tara

In memory of my parents, Tim and Kim

My mom and dad were high school sweethearts. A couple so perfect for each other that even their names rhymed, Tim and Kim. They were peaceful, simple, and happy, so full of life.

But on February 2nd, 2005, I got the phone call. Our family jewelry store had been robbed, and my parents had been shot and killed. In a single moment, my world was shattered. I’ve never needed my parents more than I did in that very moment.

It was hard to find words the day we said goodbye to them. But there was music. In our family, there is always music. That day we sang Let It Be.

Since that day, Let It Be has had a way of popping up – on the radio, in the background, just when I need hear it, often when I don’t even realize how much I need to hear it. It is a song that gives me hope.

Today, being a parent without parents is one of the most difficult parts of this journey. There are times when I imagine them here, with my kids. What would be their favorite thing to do together? I can almost hear the laughter and singing. When I realize that this will never happen, my heart breaks.

I advocate so that other families will not experience our pain – so that someday, when I will have to tell my children what happened to their grandparents, I also tell them about what we have done in their honor, and in honor of all victims of gun violence.

I have hope – that maybe there is a chance that they will see. And that there will be an answer.

Let It Be.

Reacting shows support for gun violence survivors.

268,562