Like It Is

Today is exactly a year since London was hit by suicide bombers. Today, as we prepare to commemorate those who died, I think of how they would have started their day - an ordinary summer morning setting off to work. Nothing would have prepared them for what they were about to experience. Not the 52 who died, nor the 100 plus who survived but were terribly injured.

At around the time I am typing this, at 0850 GMT, a year ago bombs laid on three underground trains went off. If you have ever used the underground in the morning rush hour, as I did for many years, you will know how completely packed it is at this time. I knew or worked near all the stations that were affected - Kings Cross, Edgware Road, Russell Square, Aldgate East. Liverpool Street, and of course Tavistock Square where the bomb which was on the bus went off. The stations are busy as ever today, full of people as usual. But a year ago it was pure chaos.

There will be a two minute silence today in London and across the country to remember the people that died on July 7th as well as services, laying flowers at Regent’s park and a commemorative event at Queen Mary’s Gardens in Regent’s Park for the families affected by this cowardly act. A suicide bomb. In London. On a train. Underground. And on a bus. Innocent people, just going to work and school as usual. Now with their lives changed for ever, some beyond repair. Just think of it. I think there will be many who will be thinking “it could have been me”. It could have been me. Or one of my family. Or one of my freinds. Or just someone I knew. I thank God it wasn’t. And I’m so, so sorry for those for whom it was. I’ll be thinking of you today.