Having time to reflect is always good. It’s something I’ve
been doing quite a lot of this week. Taking time to sit and think about what
has happened and how we are going to cope is something I think everyone needs
to do. One evaluates how they see themselves in light of catastrophic events
like those we experienced last weekend. It could so easily have been any of us
that were at that fateful concert which makes me ponder my own fatality. It may
seem morose but the attacks have reminded me how fragile life is. Perspective
is a wonderful thing. The attacks last weekend have shaken the whole city. A city
that has had its personality shaped by those who have stood up for what they
believe in, for freedom and equality against repressive regimes. Paris is a
beacon for all free thinkers amongst us, a symbol of love, culture and the good
times.
I have seen so many posts on Facebook and other social media
saying that we should also be praying for Beirut etc. This is true. However it
does not negate our mourning. Our sorrow is not to be compared with that of
another city; neither is better nor worse than the other. All loss of life is
tragic. Paris is a city where anyone can say they are a Parisian no matter
their nationality, creed or race. I am proud to call myself a citizen of this
great city, it is truly like no other and what befell us Friday night last week
was apocryphal.
There is a French word that has become particularly apt for
me this week: rassemblement. It means
coming together; something Parisians have been doing since the attacks. The fortitude
of the residents of such a city makes me glad to call it my home. Still trying
to process what happened find solace in the amazing reactions of the Parisians.
When I started this blog I set out to become a native of this my favourite city
and now I truly feel like I belong here. These attacks have shaken me so much
because I feel a part of the city like it is an organic part of me. A day doesn’t
go by that I don’t think how thankful I am that I live here and no terror attack
can change that.
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