The World Stops in 10 Minutes - You are NOT alone !

Across this country and, indeed, the rest of Europe, we will be observing a 3 minute silence - it's 10.45 as I write and it begins at 11.

I believed that I had no more tears but they've begun again...I wish I could say or do something more than this for you all.

We grieve with you and for you.

All our love

Jo

Jo, thanks. I knew the world would never be the same that morning.

I'm sorry, I don't want to hog this place but I don't know where else to explain what just happened.

At 11, The chimes of Big Ben were sounded over the BBC, no commentary, no voices, just the familiar chimes. And then silence.

For a full 3 minutes all of the network broadcasts were silenced. On the radio, a live microphone in Westminster, the centre of London, broadcast the silence from my home city.

Never, ever, have I heard such a silence.

Somehow, the 3 minutes were not long, but flew past as I sat and thought. And then, from somewhere in the distance, a church sounded its bells in a peal, - still no traffic noise, still no talking over the radio, just a single church's peal.

It really doesn't matter who or what or where you are - even my dog sat quietly - this was a special moment that both made me weep yet made me proud to be human. Being proud to be human has been a non-existent concept these last few days, for me.

I'm not Christian. I do have faith. I am English so I avoid these subjects normally, we're not open as our American friends are. But this is a moment in our lives that has shaped our futures, and has defined our ability to have collective empathy and humanity - to be more than beasts.

Perhaps I weep for my children who won't know the innocence that I knew at their ages. Perhaps I weep for myself.

I'd like to think that weeping will ease soon, for all of us.

Anything I can think of saying seems insufficient.

All our love to all of you.

Jo

Thanks so much Jo. I watched the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace on TV yesterday when they played the U.S. national anthem...people were crying and looked so sad. It does help, knowing that our friends in Europe are crying with us.

I thank you for your wonderful post. Have really touched my heart.
Peace Be With Us ALL!

All My Best
CoCo :-O)

Thank you, Jo.

Thank you Jo.

Thank you Jo.

My thanks as well,JO. Each time the TV replays the changing of the guard the tears start to flow again...what a wonderful tribute your country showed to ours. God keep us all.

Thanks Jo for posting your commentary. These are such difficult times for all of us. Sharing our sorrow with the world helps, knowing that they too are grieving with us.

Thank you Jo'

don't forget, Dear England, you were our momma and even though we went through hell cutting the apron strings, we still love you too.

We Americans aided England in Her Darkest Hour.
And we a grateful for Her condolences now.
And we Americans will persevere!

http://www.hometown.aol.com/jones90319/myhomepage/memorial-crisis.html

My aunt works for American Airlines. She was grounded on an international flight in London. She was able to see the things spoken of here....and a big church service there ..she said to my mom. I am not sure about that. Did they have a service like we did at the National Cathedral?
I was very worried about her. I called American's emergency number to find out if she was on the hijacked planes. I was very relieved to find out she wasn't of course.

Thank You Jo What a great post. Tell all your friends and neighbors that We know and appreciate all that you and your countrymen are doing for us.

Sandy2

Thank you Jo for your wonderful post! Doris