It was supposed to be one of the best nights of their lives. "Une belle nuit sur ​​la ville." The night was young and time was of the essence. Great food, great friends, great music, good fun. It all began as a sweet and normal night in the gorgeous capital of France. In a matter of moments for what started out as a beautiful dream instantly became a horrific nightmare for an entire nation. The events of this particular night surely never to be forgotten. On that day, Friday the 13th, November 2015, a total of 368 injuries. Approximately 129 people lost their lives and 88-89 people were critically injured.

 

There were three major attacks. Five suicide bombings, one of which also included a shooting. All combined 8 life-changing attacks. Those to be held responsible, a terrorists group identified as ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), recently renamed as ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), otherwise simplified as Islamic State. They are an elite offshoot group of Al-Qaeda.

 

Countless families lost loved ones that day whom they will never see again. A sad time for the people of Paris and for people across the world. A place that prides itself on romance and love. Among those beautiful people who lost their lives; a 23 yr old first generation Mexican-American young woman Nohemi Gonzalez of El Monte, California. She was known to all who knew and loved her as an ambitious dream chaser eager to soak up all the opportunities that this life had to offer.

 

Nohemi attended California State University where she was studying industrial design. She was excited when she had been afforded the opportunity of a lifetime to also study for a semester abroad at the State School of Design in Paris. It is a known fact that at any given time there could be up to 17,000 Americans studying and residing in France. In a video taped at her college in California Nohemi said, "I feel that we are all very fortunate to be pursuing our goals in higher education." She said she wanted to create pieces that were amazing. Stand out pieces that could light up specific areas in a room. Pieces that she loved, passionate filling pieces that possessed a certain level of modesty with a touch of class.

 

Nohemi's mom Beatriz Gonzalez said, "She was a wonderful person with a big heart" 
Her boyfriend of 4 years Tim Mraz said with tears streaming from his eyes, "She'll always be here. She'll always be in my heart. I love you babe." 

 

There were a barrage of attacks that all happened within minutes of one another. Some places of the known attacks included a concert hall, a stadium arena, and a number of restaurants. Nohemi was with her beautiful team of friends and classmates when a large number of shots was fired up onto the terrace at Le Belle Equipe, a very well known bistro in the heart of Paris.

 

The next day a French graphic designer currently residing in London, and now known worldwide for his instagram handle @jean_jullien took to his account and shared a post he had created out of his heartfelt feelings of empathy following the tragic events. People were so deeply moved by the post it went viral. The reason being was that it was created with the subtle intent to send a simple thought. Yet it delivered the most meaningful and impowering message that could have been translated by anyone even without having to write any words. As the picture cried out the caption read, "Peace for Paris."