Pulse Victim Jonathan Amaya

My name is Desiree Suero from Orlando, and Jonathan Amaya is my best friend. The massacre that occurred at Pulse was a devastating and unexpected event for everyone; and I give my utmost sincerest condolences for the friends and families of all who were affected. Jonathan Amaya was not only a frequent goer to the club but was also working the night of the shooting. I've never been more worried to know of my best friend's whereabouts the second I heard there was a shooting going on, and have never been more relieved to hear his voice respond to my phone call. Jonathan along with being a survivor, a witness, as well as a victim to all that occurred that night, has been left with the burden of picking up the pieces of his life. With plans to finish his education at the University of Central Florida, Jonathan was left without a job or even a car for the time being because it's had to stay at the scene of the crime. Living on your own is not an easy task but with the support and love of friends and family he's been able to heal and move forward slowly but surely , and hopefully with the help of the community he'll be able to receive the help to persevere and push forward in life and prove that love always wins. Without a job or even mobile, the money will be put towards getting his life back on track-- bills he's missed, pursuing his education, and the therapy that will be needed after the tragic massacre he was a first hand witness and victim to.

This is the clip seen across the world; Jonathan was a barback at pulse and was thankfully at one of the furthest exits from the shooter after hearing the first round of shots. Adrenaline took over him once he was able to get out and assisted his injured coworker outside. The shivers that went down my spine watching this clip over and over again on my TV set and being so thankful that my best friend was next to me and safe. This moment was raw, this moment was an act of bravery, yet there's skeptics online who have the nerve to say this was a paid job and that Jonathan's smiling-- one could only wish none of this was real but whatever the case I've never been more appreciative of his smile and more thankful to still see it shining bright.

Being a survivor sets heavy on your heart. You want to be thankful, but feel so much guilt towards those who weren't as fortunate. It broke my heart to hear my best friend ask "why me? why was I spared? I could've been anyone in that room but why was I lucky enough to be where I was?" I don't know the answer to that question, everyone in that club was special but I do know that I'm thankful he is okay because his presence and support for his coworkers and friends just radiates. Here's the loving smile Jonathan gets to share every day to the world, and sharing it with one of his I njured coworkers as he spent the night at the hospital by his side.

Pulse was a safe haven to many. A place surrounded by love and acceptance. From a guest, to shot boy, to barback, to now a survivor, my friend has lost a second home. It's difficult seeing him day by day and only wish to hug him. Nothing can fix what he's experienced; but any support would be of assistance and appreciated. It's beautiful and heart wrenching to see one community come together and support one another, and I throw my heart out to anyone who's been affected; love always wins.