Terror, anger and change
October 31, 2017...Halloween day in New York City. The NYC- that vibrant city that many here in the USA consider the heartbeat of our country. A city attacked twice by terrorist - the second time resulting in the collapse of the famous twin towers on September 11, 2001. Once again NYC was the site of terror. On a day that for many allows the children to be superheroes for a few hours we really needed one.
Eight people were run over by a maniac in a rented truck for the sole purpose of killing Americans. He took that truck on a bike path. A place that is supposed to provide some safety for pedestrians and cyclists. A place where the people were merely slow moving targets. I'm a cyclist. I am disgusted, I am beyond angry...I'm at a point of frothing madness that someone has again stolen lives for nothing, no reason- just to kill.
Everyone was someone's son or daughter, to Darren Drake's parents he was their only child. A son that they loved, taught and shaped in the best way that they could so that he could move to the NYC with confidence. Ann-Laure Decadt of Belgium was not only a daughter but a mother. Ann-Laure's two sons will have no memory or almost none of their Mom they are only 3 years old and 3 months old. Ms. Decadt was on a vacation with her mom and her sisters which were not injured.
No one will ever be the same. 23 year old Nick Cleaves was killed, a young man just making his way through a city. I have a 24 year old daughter who lives in a city and rides her bike as a her only mode of transportation. It's a way of life in urban areas. I have a fear for her safety.
Five friends from Argentina were killed while on a trip visiting another friend here in the USA to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their graduation. In all nothing makes it a better or worse situation that any of the lives lost were with family or friends or on a solitary ride. This event is horrifying. Yes, it is terror inducing, for the souless asshole in the truck that was the purpose- kill people and terrify others. I mourn the loss of humanity but give terrorists the middle finger.
I am cyclist. I am a son. I am a father. I've ridden on streets and bike paths and shared the road with many vehicles. Mostly I've done so with no fear for myself except for the few times when drivers were inattentive. My friends had greater fear for me when I would go on a ride. I live with the constant concern that any parent has for the daughter who lives in the city- whether on a bike or not.
We cannot merely go back to our everyday routines, however, we cannot allow this or any other act of terrorism to paralyze us. In my opinion that is what the core of terroristic actors wants because it will allow them to have power. For me I say Not here! Not in my country, my city or in my mind- I won't allow it. You get no power over me. My friend Mikey once said "The only thing we truly control are our thoughts, so keep them positive." I would suggest that we become more aware and careful. Don't become paralyzed.
I was sitting and thinking of how to write this piece and the lyrics to Bastille's song Pompeii kept popping up in my mind. It was as if the words were speaking for the families of those killed. "and the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love, grey clouds roll over the hills bringing darkness from above." These events bring darkness, they bring anger and tears.
"How am I going to be an optimist about this?" I know people who lost a child, a brother, a spouse - not to hate but other life events. Each has been able to draw some positive vibration to make the world better for everyone. I shared their sadness, trying to take as much of the emotional weight as they wanted to share and in turn share the warmth of the friendship too.
The Answerman says "Be diligently aware of those around you, but not paralyzed by fear. Live your life with appreciation for what it offers in both beauty and challenge. Tell your family and friends you love them. Hold them close- a hug is good for everyone." Be good, Be safe.
Eight people were run over by a maniac in a rented truck for the sole purpose of killing Americans. He took that truck on a bike path. A place that is supposed to provide some safety for pedestrians and cyclists. A place where the people were merely slow moving targets. I'm a cyclist. I am disgusted, I am beyond angry...I'm at a point of frothing madness that someone has again stolen lives for nothing, no reason- just to kill.
Everyone was someone's son or daughter, to Darren Drake's parents he was their only child. A son that they loved, taught and shaped in the best way that they could so that he could move to the NYC with confidence. Ann-Laure Decadt of Belgium was not only a daughter but a mother. Ann-Laure's two sons will have no memory or almost none of their Mom they are only 3 years old and 3 months old. Ms. Decadt was on a vacation with her mom and her sisters which were not injured.
No one will ever be the same. 23 year old Nick Cleaves was killed, a young man just making his way through a city. I have a 24 year old daughter who lives in a city and rides her bike as a her only mode of transportation. It's a way of life in urban areas. I have a fear for her safety.
Five friends from Argentina were killed while on a trip visiting another friend here in the USA to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their graduation. In all nothing makes it a better or worse situation that any of the lives lost were with family or friends or on a solitary ride. This event is horrifying. Yes, it is terror inducing, for the souless asshole in the truck that was the purpose- kill people and terrify others. I mourn the loss of humanity but give terrorists the middle finger.
I am cyclist. I am a son. I am a father. I've ridden on streets and bike paths and shared the road with many vehicles. Mostly I've done so with no fear for myself except for the few times when drivers were inattentive. My friends had greater fear for me when I would go on a ride. I live with the constant concern that any parent has for the daughter who lives in the city- whether on a bike or not.
We cannot merely go back to our everyday routines, however, we cannot allow this or any other act of terrorism to paralyze us. In my opinion that is what the core of terroristic actors wants because it will allow them to have power. For me I say Not here! Not in my country, my city or in my mind- I won't allow it. You get no power over me. My friend Mikey once said "The only thing we truly control are our thoughts, so keep them positive." I would suggest that we become more aware and careful. Don't become paralyzed.
I was sitting and thinking of how to write this piece and the lyrics to Bastille's song Pompeii kept popping up in my mind. It was as if the words were speaking for the families of those killed. "and the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love, grey clouds roll over the hills bringing darkness from above." These events bring darkness, they bring anger and tears.
"How am I going to be an optimist about this?" I know people who lost a child, a brother, a spouse - not to hate but other life events. Each has been able to draw some positive vibration to make the world better for everyone. I shared their sadness, trying to take as much of the emotional weight as they wanted to share and in turn share the warmth of the friendship too.
The Answerman says "Be diligently aware of those around you, but not paralyzed by fear. Live your life with appreciation for what it offers in both beauty and challenge. Tell your family and friends you love them. Hold them close- a hug is good for everyone." Be good, Be safe.
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