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9, 11, 11, 13

We are struck again with terrorism. I guess this is the way of life. I have had the distinct fortune of being in NYC on 9/11 and Paris on 11/13. There have been attacks on other cities in other countries, but these have been personal. This time in Paris, though, it hit my home neighborhood, the 11th Arrondissement.

On this Friday the 13th, Helmut, Laure and I were outdoors, having dinner at Chez Mamy, one of our favorite restaurants. We heard from the owner that there had been a shooting around the corner and they wanted us to move indoors. Helmut and Laure were both skeptical, but I immediately posted on Facebook that there were odd goings-on and I was safe, but still out and about. Having been through 9/11, I did not want to get caught and not be able to tell people I was OK. Laure began to panic and left us; she was almost in tears. I have checked with her and she is still very shaken by these events (the café was across the street from her apartment).

It has been a little over a week now. I wish I had something new to say that hasn't been said, or some new insight; I just don't.  It is crazy, nonsensical to us, but there it is; now part of life. Just like AIDS was, and 9/11. Now this.

I know that in NYC, the spectre of 9/11 still hangs in the air. I have figured out that it is mainly because they destroyed a major building. It sounds odd, but I think because of that, NYC has a giant scar. I went down there when I was last in NYC and saw that they are building something new and it really cheered me, but, again, the scar is there.


Paris is different. There is no scar, except the loss of life, which is huge but we have nothing to point to and say that this something was here and now is not. It is odd as you get older, I think you begin to understand that life is finite and you begin to savour it a bit more, but you also know the end will come. Younger people make up Paris, though, and it is rough right now. Sure, people are skittish now but it fades so quickly.

The 2 "city" attacks (the theater, Bataclan and the café) both took place a few blocks from my apartment. The small memorials at each location are still up and are still actively being added to. People are gathering around them, taking pictures, crying a bit, but the crowds begin to fade. Soon the café will begin serving again (under its old name or a new one) and people will come, scared at first, then brave, then forgetting. It is partially sad, but also a part of how life works; the living have to keep living. Yes, these events fade and people will feel guilty, but it will fade and that is good. We all must move on, as we can.

I wish everyone peaceful days and courage to continue living.




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