Whoa! Dream Big: Archive

The tragic shooting in Colorado shook us all wide awake and reminded us of our mortality. It brought sadness and fear, disgust and outrage. James Holmes’s name has been heard on various news outlets and talk shows. He trended on Twitter for a whole day. He gained what he sought, fame. It is not this monster of a terrorist that deserves his name to be known, but the lives that were lost. Twelve seems like a small number when we lose so many daily to war and disease. But these lives were not ended, they were stolen. So here’s to the twelve people who just wanted a night at the movies. Rest in peace.

6-year-old Veronica Moser-Sullivan, who just learned how to swim

Gordon Cowden, the oldest victim at just 51 and a father of two teens

A hero in his own right, Matthew McQuinn, who dove in front of his girlfriend and her brother to shield them from the gunshots

Alex Sullivan, who was celebrating turning 27 and his 1st wedding anniversary

Three men who served our country, John Larimer (27), Jonathan Blunk(26), and Jesse Childress (29)

Jessica Ghawi, 24, an aspiring sports journalist who had escaped a near-death shooting just a month ago

A “Subway sandwich artist” and college student, Micayla Medek, 23

Alexander Boik, 18, who aspired to be an art teacher and was just about to start his freshman year of college

Rebecca Ann Wingo had just begun her job at mobile medical imaging company at 32 years old

He had just completed his master degree in psychology in June, Alexander Teves, 24

I am so sorry for the loved ones of the victims. :’(