You cannot go on a meaningful journey without remembering and staying true to your roots.
Two nights ago a despicable and heinous excuse for a human being carried out a terrible act that targeted innocent men women and children having a genuinely good time. At the time of writing 59 people are injured, many of them severely and 22 people have lost their lives. That’s 22 mothers, sons, fathers, daughters, cousins, uncles, grandchildren, best mates and work mates. The sorrow is infinite.
There have been many acts of terrorism over the years, but whilst being of an age to really comprehend what has happened, this is the first one that has occurred in my own back yard. It adds to the poignancy that something like this could happen to any of us and I still don’t think that it has really sunk in.
I grew up on a council estate in the village of Lowton which is in Greater Manchester, I’ve spent many times with my mates in the city centre, at the Trafford Centre and at both football stadiums. It has been an important place in my life and also my families. My Dad worked at the airport for over 25 years, my older sister is an accountant at the University of Manchester and my younger sister is just about graduate from the same place. What if one of those had been in the wrong place at the wrong time? The scary thing is, it is not unthinkable.
The daughter of Michelle, who had gone to the show with her mother will never be able to do that again, The children of Alison and Lisa will never be picked up, Poland will never get the chance to welcome back in warm embrace Son and Daughter Marcin and Angelika. The young beautiful Saffie Rose will never get the chance to fulfill her potential that her “warmth” and “creative flair” would have undoubtedly brought. It truly is heartbreaking.
It is however at times like this that we realise that there is such a strong and special bond between ordinary decent people, that no amount of terror can ever break. The people of Manchester in the last two days have reminded me of this. Mancunian are a special and unique group of people and the outpouring of Love I have witnessed reminded me how proud I am to be one of them. Manchester has had such a massive impact on our modern society and although I could list them, I would never be able to articulate them like the poet Tony Walsh.
If you haven’t already please watch this video;
Source: BBC on Youtube
I know there must be so many unsung Hero’s from that night including the Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Ambulance services, who’s quick and unflinching response saved so many lives. But I want to salute some special people;
Kim and Phil
Having just been blown off their feet and worried sick about their daughter and granddaughter, they battled to save the life of a 14-year-old girl who was said to be suffering from horrific injuries. It was two hours before they were reunited with their own family.
Paula Robinson
A reluctant hero, who was at the nearby Victoria station when she heard the bomb go off. She risked her own safety to round-up lost and disoriented children, she took them to a nearby hotel, as well as looking after them, she acted as a contact person to help reunite families.
Chris Parker
The homeless man, who when everyone was running out of the arena, ran inside to see what he could do to help. He helped with a number of injured people, but the most heartbreaking was the 60-year-old stranger who he cradled whilst she died in his arms.
I’m sure that over the coming weeks more stories of heroism will come out and each and every one of them will deserve all the praise they get.
People are amazing
Whether English or Polish, Irish or American, Christian, Muslim or Sikh. Whether Male or Female, Gay or Straight. Whether Big or Small, Blond, Brunette and yes even Ginger we are all amazing. Throughout my journey I have learnt that I have more in common with the people of Poland than I would have ever have thought possible, I just wish others would get the opportunity. Jo Cox, the female British MP who was tragically murdered last year whilst serving her community, said in her maiden speech to parliament;
“while we celebrate our diversity, what surprises me time and time again as I travel around the constituency is that we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us”
Through adversity the human race shows its true colours, and I just want to say to the people of Manchester, I am proud of you!
Malenki
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