Monday April 23 started with a glorious spring morning. The sun was shining. The blue skies were postcard-perfect. I went for my daily walk, admiring nature and my surroundings. I took a few pictures, one of them was the beautiful pink flower above.
Monday April 23 afternoon was a sad and unsettling time for many people in my city. The sunny day turned to tragedy as a man drove a van, deliberately rammed into pedestrians, killing ten and injuring sixteen. He then had a tense standoff with a police officer before his arrest.
I know the streets and the intersections where the van attack happened. I walked that stretch before. Even though I was far from the site of the incident on Monday afternoon, the immediate increased security in the downtown core made me feel different.
Since Monday afternoon, I've read that a local resident created a memorial site at a park near where the attack happened for people to come and express their condolences. A local florist offered free flowers for people to take with them, to make them feel better. Thousands from around the world have shown their support. Acts of kindness and support to show we care. Yes, we care. #TorontoStrong
My thoughts are with all of those so deeply touched by this tragedy. Sadly, this is another reminder to hug our loved ones and seize the day today.
It is a mad world that we live in Natalie and I totally agree we need to seize the day. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Toronto at this time xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue.
Delete#TorontoStrong
ReplyDeleteSSG xxx
Thanks, SSG.
DeleteThat is a beautiful photograph Natalie. I am so sorry about what happened in Toronto. It's been all over the news here and is so absolutely devastating. Why oh why do such horrors happen? My thoughts too are with everyone affected by such a horrible tragedy. xoxo #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteThank you, Min. I was thinking how life is so beautiful like that flower, and in an instant can end. We're supporting each other here and will stay strong.
DeleteSuch a terrible thing to happen and my thoughts are with you and the people of Toronto. What a macabre world we live in - all we can do is keep spreading love and acceptance - surely somehow we can outwit the horrors - surely?
ReplyDeleteWe'll surely outwit the horrors by spreading love and promoting peace, Jo. Thank you for your thoughts.
DeleteMy thoughts and prayers are also with the people of Toronto at this time. Thank you for this heartfelt post, and for sharing some of the acts of kindness that have been taking place.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Donna, for your thoughts and prayers. We're supporting each other and staying strong here.
DeleteThis was such a tragedy and such an unecessary loss of innocent lives. It's hard to come to terms with these horrific incidents that appear to be prolific in our world today. My condolences to the citizens of Toronto. #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathy. We're supporting each other and focusing on the positives here.
DeleteOur world has certainly changed in the last decade or so Natalie - it always saddens me when I see mindless acts of violence like this - and they continue despite all the precautions. A very sad day indeed.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leanne, for your comment. The outpouring support from the community helps us acknowledge our sadness and heal.
DeleteLiving locally, I've been listening to and watching the nonstop news feed and thought I'd heard every detail. But I hadn't heard of the florist giving away flowers. That's a beautiful response. Thanks for sharing it, Natalie.
ReplyDeleteI agreed that was a beautiful response, Karen. The florist name and her shop name were reported in The Toronto Star.
DeleteHave thought of you and Toronto so often this week. So sad how it takes a tragedy often times, to bring out the best in people. Or to at least call attention to the good in this world. #TorontoStrong XO
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leslie, for your thoughts. The tragedy was another reminder to me that life is precious, fragile, and to be celebrated hence seize the day.
DeleteIt was such a senseless act done by a lost soul. Toronto is a beautiful city with a vibrant, loving citizenry. Thank you for sharing this wonderful act of kindness.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janis, for your kind words. I truly appreciate your comment.
DeleteI was shocked and am so sorry to hear about the events in Toronto. I think the best of people often comes out at times like that and it is heartening to know that's been the case. #teamlovinlife
ReplyDeleteToronto is a vibrant and caring city. We're sad but not fearful. Thanks, Deborah, for stopping by.
DeleteApril 23rd was a sad day for Toronto, Canada and the world, Natalie. I thought about you and another blogging pal who lives in your city. What madness. Then, I just read a blog that mentioned the birth of a new British prince and the anniversary of Shakespeare’s birthday on that day as well. Having dark moments destroy the happy ones, makes me bitter. And, you are so right, during those moments and in their wake, we should hug our loved ones, or let them know that we care about them. And, seize the day! I love the photo you picked to go with this post. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liesbet, for your hugs and thoughts. Dark moments make us feel sad but also appreciate the good and the great moments even more. The above photo was my way to pay tribute to the victims of the attack. It's also a reminder to myself that life is beautiful and to be celebrated.
Delete