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 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.…