Tamera Mowry Remembers Slain Niece In Emotional Return To 'The Real'

Tamera Mowry-Housley's return to The Real was an emotional one. 

The talk show host made her television return on Monday (November 26) just a little over two weeks after her 18-year-old niece Alaina Housley was killed in the Thousand Oaks mass shooting. The college freshman was one of the 12 victims killed at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California on November 8. Tamera and her husband Adam Housley revealed the news in a statement. "Our hearts are broken. We just learned that our niece Alaina was one of the victims of last night's shooting at Borderline bar in Thousand Oaks," the couple said following her death. "Alaina was an incredible young woman with so much life ahead of her and we are devastated that her life was cut short in this manner. We thank everyone for your prayers and ask for privacy at this time."

On Monday's live show, Tamera gave an update on how she and her family are doing following Alana's passing. "I'm okay," she said before becoming overcome with grief. "I'm sorry... Our family's been through a lot, but the interesting thing about grief is that you've gotta find the balance of moving forward and grieving at the same time," she explained. "It's just been a little over two weeks...she would want me to be here. And she would want me —sweet Alaina —to move forward. I don't like to say move on, because I don't think I'll ever move on with the fact that she's not here with me or with our family."

"But she would want me to move forward and to use her voice as a catalyst for change, and that's why I am here today," Tamera continued. "And I just appreciate the outpouring love and support from everybody. That sweet 18-year-old girl impacted people in such a positive way, and that's how we've been able to move on, the love as my beautiful sister-in-law Hannah said at my niece's memorial, that's what we need more today love."

The Real host later discussed how she is working to bring change, in terms of ending gun violence in the U.S., and her hope for Alaina's voice to live on. "It's obvious that we need change when it comes to gun violence. I don't care if I have to knock on the doors of the White House to do it," she said through tears. "Alaina was very sweet and loving and kind. She was also a debater. So she would want me to debate that. But also, I believe that it starts from within. Our country, and it's sad to say this, but you have to be living underneath a rock to not believe these words, our country is sick. It's diseased. If it needs healing. It needs healing from within. We are so divided."

A foundation has been set up in Alaina's name. Its mission is to "unite" the country, "push for leadership, and "use Alaina's Voice." You can learn more at: www.alainasvoice.org.

Photo: Youtube/The Real


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