I realize the horrific time has passed but I would be remiss if I did not mention my sorrow surrounding the shootings that took place in Paris this past January after Charlie Hebdo, a satirical magazine there, published some cartoons that some people found offensive.
My heart goes out to the families of those killed and to the French people in general. France is a peace-loving country that values, above all, human connections. I can only imagine the shock and horror that ripped through Paris and throughout France on the days the shootings took place. As the whole of France grieves, I grieve with them. I am a Francophile: I am part French, have studied French, and I have visited Paris three times, the last time for 30 days at the end of 2014. Many people have asked me (in an “I’m sure I know the answer” manner) if I was glad I returned to the United States prior to the shootings: in a word, no. On the contrary, I told them, I wish I had been able to stay in Paris – not just to work, which is my goal – but to have walked to the Republique in solidarity with the French people whom I care so much about, and to simply offer my support to those grieving. I admire the world leaders that offered their support in word and deed to the French people immediately following the attacks. They are true ambassadors for their respective countries.
I remember all too well where I was when the terrorist attacks happened on September 11, 2001, and how alone I felt. I was home from work having worked the late shift as a financial proofreader, and I hardly breathed as I watched the events unfold on television right before my eyes. My mind did not drift toward terrorist attacks: I thought the world had gone mad. Terror can tear the body to pieces, but what it does to a person’s heart and soul is far worse: it can kill the spirit, and the joy of living with it. That is why it is so important not to become isolated when terror strikes, because terror cannot do its dirty work if people stick together and support each other.
I know the French people are already rebounding from this. I only wish I could be there to offer my support in person.
Je Suis Charlie
Salut.
Je Suis Charlie image “Never Again” by Robert Couse-Baker, Copyright 2015. Used by Permission of Flickr. No changes made. Link to image page. CCBY 2.0