August 8th 2024.
May 22nd, 2017 will forever be a date that I cannot forget. It was the day that my life changed overnight. I was just hanging out with my friends at my flat when I got a notification on my phone that shook me to my core. It read: Taylor Swift Vienna concerts cancelled due to terror threats. My heart dropped as fear washed over me. This couldn't be happening again, I thought to myself.
You see, I was one of the unfortunate victims of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack that happened on the same day. It was a traumatic experience that left me with 29 injuries, including broken bones, severe burns, and internal injuries. I was rushed to the hospital where I stayed for over five weeks and underwent 19 surgeries. It was like being in a war zone.
My best friend, Nell, who I had attended the concert with, lost her life in the attack. We were both just 14 years old and had bonded over our love for Ariana Grande and pop music. We had been so excited for the concert and had planned every little detail, from our outfits to our hairstyles. We even had the concert setlist saved on our phones. The anticipation was almost more thrilling than the actual show itself.
But now, seven years later, I still feel that same excitement and anticipation when it comes to concerts. It's a feeling that I know is shared by all the young Taylor Swift fans who were eagerly waiting to see her live before the Vienna concerts were cancelled due to a foiled terror plot. It breaks my heart to think that another music venue was almost targeted by such senseless violence.
I am grateful that the plot was discovered and that the lives of 195,000 people, who were expected to attend Taylor's concerts, were saved. As someone who was personally affected by a terror attack, I know all too well the fear and uncertainty that future concert-goers may feel. It's a feeling that I can relate to, knowing that I was once in their shoes.
But despite the fear, I refuse to let it stop me from experiencing the joy and magic of live music. My family and I have always been concert-obsessed, and even after what happened, we continued to attend concerts. It was our way of not letting hate and fear win. And it was at a Harry Styles concert just seven months after the attack, that I truly understood the healing power of music.
At first, I was hesitant and scared to attend another concert, but as soon as Harry stepped out on stage, all those negative feelings disappeared. I was surrounded by thousands of people who shared a common love and appreciation for music, and it was the best feeling in the world. It's a feeling that everyone deserves to experience, and I believe that no one should let fear hold them back from that.
Life is too short to not be having the time of your life at a concert, dancing and singing your heart out. In these uncertain times, it may seem scary to attend a large event, especially for women. But I encourage you not to let it stop you. Look out for one another, share your location with friends and family, and most importantly, have the time of your life. We will not let hate win.
As I prepare to attend Taylor's concert in London next week, I do so in honor of my best friend Nell, who was taken away from me too soon. I will dance and sing my heart out, living my best life for her. And I urge you all to do the same. Don't let hate and fear stop you from experiencing the joy and magic of live music. Life is too short to not be having the time of your life. Let's not let hate win.
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