[ValerieUSA]

My old friend in France sent me a brief note on Sept 11:

"A black day for you. I think of you, Valérie.

your old pen friend, Jean"

I wrote a reply in the wee hours this morning:

Dear Jean

Thank you for the thoughts on that day of remembrance.

"No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me, because I am included in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee." ~ John Donne 1572-1631 ~ Poet/Clergyman

I thought of you and your France when I heard the news about the great loss of life during the summer heat wave. It is said to be 15,000 souls, which is 5 times the loss in America during the attacks of September 11, 1991.

Then I heard that the foreign minister of Sweden was chased, attacked and stabbed to death in a department store while bystanders looked on in shock, and did not move to protect her or capture the assailant, who ran out of the
store.

I wonder what is the great danger lurking in this world? The forces of evil conspiracies, the power of natural phenomenon, insane murderers? ...... Or the millions of disbelieving bystanders who wait for an "official" to do something.

In the midst or mourning, may the world also honor the handful of passengers flying over Pennsylvania, who refused to be bystanders while their plane was hijacked -- who did not wait for officials to handle the shocking crime, but
were aware of the implications of their situation and made the bold decision to live or die not as victims, but as protectors of their fellow man and beloved nation.

((hugs))

Valerie

[Darksheare]

All I want to do, is rule the world, and I know that I'm not the only one...

I used to say that with a chuckle and a grin.
After 9/11, I see it in a different light.
*snort*
I said it with humor and a sense of sarcasm.
There are some that say it with honest conviction.
And there are some who would aid them, some here in this country, elected to various offices.
I try to keep my humor up.
But there are some who would take it seriously, or even try to act on it.

That steams me to no end.


"I heard you cry out in my soul, and I came as soon as I could. But could not find you. You had already moved beyond." -known, but name withheld.

[lodwick]

Excellent letter to France.

It's tough to believe that 15,000 folks just stayed home and roasted...

Glorious weather in CenTex today!

[Mo1]

Wondeful letter to your friend ...

Well it doesn't seem to want to stop raining here and I need to head to the post office

Maybe if I run fast enough .. I won't get wet