Happy Easter and My Current Thoughts on the Attack in Brussels

First of all, Happy Easter! I love this holiday because what it celebrates gives me hope, peace and joy. Here is a video that expresses this in a short, simple, visually beautiful way.

Now, as many know, last week there was a horrific attack made by people involved with the self-declared Islamic State on the city of Brussels in Belgium. 

Up until now, all of the terrorist activity happening around the world has seemed so distant to me. Real, horrifying, tragic, yet distant. Living in Europe hasn't changed that much for me - I feel safe in Dusseldorf and am surrounded by happy, kind people of all different beliefs. 

With this last attack, however, I think that things seem to have hit home a little bit more for me.

Brussels is only about 2 hours from Dusseldorf. Last weekend, as Berkley and I were planning adventures, we'd discussed a trip to Brussels next month. 

A friend of ours has often had his parents fly into Brussels from the US, as it was a less expensive option for their family. We saw him Monday, and he was excited to tell us that his parents (in their 80's) were coming for a visit this week. They were scheduled to arrive Tuesday morning at 7 am. The bomb went off at the airport at 8 am. 
This time, however, his parents flew into Dusseldorf. 
Can you imagine, though? 7 am arrival. Bathroom breaks. Security. Passport checks. They're 80. They could have been there. Our friend could have been there. It could have happened. But it didn't.

I have a friend who works for the British Consulate here in Dusseldorf. Following the attack, she was sent to Brussels to provide support in the consulate there. The British Embassy is less than 400 m from the Maelbeek train station, where the second bomb went off. 

These are small things, but things that, nonetheless are helping me to realize that it's real, and the terror invoked by these people can affect anyone. Anyone. 

Is that going to change how I view the world, though? Am I going to walk around in fear, looking at people around me with judgement? 

I REFUSE. 

Absolutely not. I will not let this change how I view and interact with the people around me. I don't care whether they are Muslim, Christian, Atheist, or whatever. I am a strong believer that people are inherently good, and a few people that have made terrible decisions on how they choose to view the world is not going to ruin that for me. 

If anything, I am going to just try to pay attention to my heart and my gut a little bit more. 

So yes. We are safe. Berkley's parents, living in France, are safe. And life continues to be beautiful. 

This is short for today, but stay posted. I've got some catching up to do on what's been up in our life, INCLUDING our fabulous trip to France. 

And just for your enjoyment, here is a video of Juniper babbling and the kids saying goodbye...to "Daddy", but whatever...