—as told to—

The shooting began during Jason Aldean’s concert. It was the third and last night of the festival—October 1, 2017. If I could go back, do the whole weekend over again, and just change the ending, I absolutely would.

Before the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival, I had never been to an open-air festival. I saw the headliners, including Jason Aldean (my favorite), and immediately thought there was no better place than Las Vegas for my first event like this. I got to drink, gamble, hang out at the pools, and listen to music. My kind of a party!

I was there with my childhood best friend of 40 years, Joe. We were having a great time until, on Sunday, the popping noises began. It first sounded like firecrackers, but then the musicians started throwing down their instruments and running, followed by everyone in the audience. It all happened so fast. Joe and I got separated in the chaos. Then I felt the shot. Like a hot knife cutting through butter. It left two holes in my right leg. One on the side where the bullet came in and one up front where the bullet left.

The shots were still coming at us when I called my mom. She heard it all through the phone. She said, “You’re coming home!” I remember answering, “Mom, I can’t promise you that.” I didn’t know what was happening, but I asked her to tell my son I love him if I don’t make it home.