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For Raul Melendez and his family, August 3, 2019, began as an ordinary Saturday. His daughter Kaitlyn was shopping with her grandparents at Walmart during Tax-Free Weekend. Then, a phone call changed everything: "My dad, he was shot."

What followed was a nightmare of chaos, confusion, and eventually, devastating loss. Raul's father-in-law David was among the 23 people killed in the El Paso Walmart shooting, dying heroically as he shielded his granddaughter and wife from the gunman. Under a court-mandated gag order for nearly six years, this is Raul's first opportunity to share his family's story publicly.

The conversation reveals the profound, lasting trauma experienced by shooting survivors and their families. Kaitlyn, now approaching 15, still attends therapy weekly and struggles with loud noises and the smell of gunpowder. Raul's military PTSD has taken on new purpose as he helps his daughter navigate her own trauma. Meanwhile, his wife Stephanie has become the family's rock, caring for her mother who lost her provider and their daughter who lost her sense of safety.

Perhaps most frustrating for the families has been the protracted legal process. While the federal case moved relatively quickly, the state case has dragged on for years despite promises from prosecutors. "This is a win, this is a no-lose case," Raul explains, questioning why justice has been so elusive. The recent decision to forgo the death penalty feels like another letdown after years of waiting.

Through their pain, the Melendez family has found unexpected sources of support, including a biker group called Guardians of the Children who "adopted" Kaitlyn and attend her events. Their story is a powerful reminder of how violence tears through communities long after the shooting stops and headlines fade. Despite everything, they're determined to rebuild their lives and honor David's memory by moving forward.

Have you checked on someone who's experienced trauma lately? Reach out, listen, and simply be there. Sometimes healing starts with breaking the silence.

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Grief comes in layers, especially when tragedy strikes a community. Following the August 3rd Walmart shooting in El Paso, countless stories of loss emerged—but what happens to the families once the news cameras leave?

I'm preparing to bring you something deeply personal in our upcoming episode: an exclusive conversation with Raul, whose father-in-law was among those killed in the Walmart shooting. What makes Raul's story particularly poignant is the multiple dimensions of grief he navigates daily. Beyond processing his own loss, he's supporting his wife and daughter through the devastating reality of losing her father in such violent, public circumstances.

The weight of this responsibility is immense, yet Raul demonstrates remarkable strength. Our conversation will take listeners into territory many have fortunately never experienced—the aftermath of mass violence and the quiet, ongoing work of healing that families undertake together. We'll explore questions about grief that rarely make headlines but affect countless families touched by tragedy.

Whether you've experienced profound loss or simply want to better understand how communities recover from collective trauma, this upcoming interview offers rare insight into the human experience behind the statistics. Listen as we examine what it means to support loved ones while managing your own grief, and the complicated journey of healing when private loss intersects with public tragedy. Subscribe now so you don't miss this powerful conversation that goes beyond the headlines to reveal the true impact of violence on families and communities.

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Prepare to be inspired! In this episode, I sit down with the vivacious Giselle Lopez, the reigning Miss El Paso 2024, who is on the brink of passing her crown to the next deserving queen. As she navigates the bittersweet journey of her reign, Giselle doesn't hold back in sharing her heartfelt reflections and the lessons she's learned along the way. This insightful conversation reveals what it truly means to represent a city, the beauty of embracing one’s legacy, and empowering future titleholders.

But that’s not all! Giselle dives into her exciting new venture, “Desert Diva Fashion,” a clothing line set to launch this March. Filled with artistic flair and ambition, she speaks candidly about her vision and how this journey started from a need for self-expression through fashion. Tune in to hear her incredible stories from her music career, the evolution of her identity, and the challenges faced while starting anew in the entrepreneurial space.

This episode is a beautiful blend of personal anecdotes, motivational insights, and a celebration of community spirit! Giselle’s journey is a testament to the fact that growth comes with overcoming challenges, faith, and support from those around us. Join us as we celebrate her past and future and explore the importance of being bold, authentic, and unapologetically yourself. Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us as we continue celebrating stories that matter!

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