I cant count how many times I've had a "playful" argument with my lovely English friends about which country is better - England or America. Although I am deeply devoted to America and wouldnt trade my homeland for anything... I find myself, most of the time, eventually agreeing with my foe about the better points of England. It is true, one of my first loves is, and always will be - England. True... especially in the last year, I have found I have a lot vested in that great land besides my admiration for the landscapes and culture ;) ...
When I visited England in Aug. of 2001 I was in constant awe of the beauty of the area, the richness of personality in the people who live there, and the overall feeling I got when walking down the streets. I stood on the streets of Hull watching the firework show for the celebration of the "Tall Ships" and cried.... sappy I know, but very true. My ancestors stood on that very land and left it behind for their beliefs - for me. I've often wondered if that is why I have been so driven to spend my time there -- England is my history and has the potential to be my future -- all at once!
Yesterday when I turned on the news - after being alerted by my concerned friend - my heart sunk as I watched the images and the scene played out on my television screen. I can honestly say I was more affected by this than 9/11, and that says a lot. Maybe it is because of the extreme fear that filled me when I realized that someone I care about more than anything - could be affected, maybe it is because I was seeing a land and place I love so much in turmoil... I think it is a mixture of all of that and more.
In truth, every time I see pictures or hear stories about what happened my heart breaks just a little more, and that is hard considering how much it was already broken - but I know the English people, and I know that they will be just fine...
Everything will be just fine....
