Orange County

Families of Pulse victims continue to heal 5 years later

ORLANDO, Fla. — Reflections of the hope instead of the hate that happened at Pulse helps many deal with another year.

“I’ve just been trying to find ways to keep moving forward and to keep peace in my life,” said Myreanna Bebe, sister of victim Jason Josaphat.

For some, the last five years have been a long, daunting road, and are still searching for answers they have not yet found.

READ: How to watch: Channel 9 presents ‘Pulse: 5 Years of Healing & Hope’

“I’ve just been going to therapy, just taking the time to just really heal in the proper way,” Bebe said.

But others said it still feels fresh.

“I just remember it so clearly when it happened and it was just so horrific. And I wanted to come down here and feel a part of the memorial,” Oviedo resident Kathleen Bishop said.

READ: UCF hosts Pulse memorial ceremony ahead of 5-year mark

There’s an unspoken connection between each person who visits Pulse, a need to feel united in the way we all did that dark day.

Bebe recently visited the temporary memorial built around the nightclub where her brother died. The day of the shooting was his first time going to Pulse.

“He didn’t usually go out, like a homebody. But he went out that night and unfortunately that happened,” Bebe said.

READ: Exhibit marking 5 years since Pulse shooting open at Orange County Regional History Center

Instead of pain at Pulse, Bebe feels happy remembering her brother who said she always saw the positive in everything.

“And a part of me feels like that’s because he’s living through me or just trying to guide me,” Bebe said.

READ: Photographer shares dozens of new images taken at Pulse, aftermath


Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.