Sadness, Tragedy, and Perseverance

(John) As the guide pointed up to the broken and deteriorating walls of Cashel fortress, she spoke of the many times these ancient walls protected the inhabitants inside from attack. But the walls also failed to provide protection on just as many occasions. As the guide spoke I thought of the people in London, where we soon will return.

The feelings of terror felt by the Irish when Vikings raided settlements, like Cashel, and murdered the inhabitants - those feelings must have been much like what the people of London felt today.

We heard the news about the London bombings just as we were leaving Kilkenny. We headed south on the N3 and remembered when we had been on the Picadelly line and rode through the King's Cross station just five days ago. Now we are only three days away from returning to London, and we will be visiting the British Museum near the Euston station, one of the sites of today's attacks.

I know our return will cause anxiety for some in my family. And I would be lying if I said I wasn't experiencing feelings of hesitation. But even stronger for me are feelings of anger and resolve.

No group is going to frighten me and make me overreact. No cell of angry hate filled men will cause me to run home, or change my plans. That is exactly what terrorists want.

I was tremendously happy on Wednesday when London was awarded the 2012 Olympic games. Those are the feelings I'll remember and carry with me. Not the feelings of anxiety and fear from today. I am here in Europe to learn, experience and enjoy. That has not changed, despite what seeds of fear that some seek to sow. I hope those seeds fall only on stony ground.