"We are striking aggressively at the terrorists in Iraq, defeating them there, so we do not have to face them on the streets of our own cities." --Dick Cheney


My dad came into my room this morning and woke me up, looking unhappy. Holding up a slip of paper, he said, "UPS tried to deliver your computer yesterday, while we were at dinner."

It wasn't until I logged on to my LJ Friends list that I heard the news. I first saw it mentioned in a LJ_Democrats post, and I initally internalized it as a hypothetical situation, as if someone were trying to bring some point across by setting up some grand metaphor. But within a few seconds, my brain processed that the poster's text was a link. I clicked, and the feeling of horrified disbelief that has swept the world this morning took hold of my throat. I wasn't even aware I was crying until it registered that the suddenly blurry computer screen could be attested to tears.

I got hold of the basic facts, then walked downstairs to find my dad. Instead, I found my mom at the dining room table, eating breakfast and reading the newspaper.

"How could Dad come into my room and wake me up and tell me about my computer," I said, marveling at how out-of-character this would have been for my dad. My mom looked puzzled. I looked over the headlines, and saw no mention of terrorism. "It must have happened after the papers went out," I said, still feeling surreal. At my mom's continued puzzlement, I told her what happened, and broke down again. We spent most of the morning tuned in to NPR.

BBC: Statement claiming London attacks
Lj_comm: London_070705, for news, updates, and discussion. Includes a roll-call for LJ Londoners and visitors that are safe and accounted for.

Londoners, our thoughts and prayers are with you. You rushed to our aid when we were attacked, and we want to repay you for your great magnanimity. Condolances to those whose family and friends were injured or lost, with hopes that London and its people will emerge from such tragedy stronger than ever.