The first victim of the London Bridge horror has been named. She is Christine Archibald, a thirty year old Canadian. She was originally from Castlegar, British Columbia but she came to Europe to be with the love of her life - Tyler Ferguson.
I imagine them strolling across London Bridge as the last vestiges of a summer sunset sparkled upon the surface of The River Thames. I imagine them hand in hand bound for a riverside bar where perhaps they would meet up with friends. I imagine them thinking briefly that in all their life they had never been so happy and then turning to see a white transit van mounting the pavement driven by the disciple of a wicked death cult. And I imagine the deadly thud and how everything changed in an instant.
Stunned by Chrissy's death, her grieving family have recorded the following statement:-
"We grieve the loss of our beautiful, loving daughter and sister, She had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected, She lived this belief, working in a shelter for the homeless, until she moved to Europe to be with her fiancé. She would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death.Please honour her by making your community a better place. Volunteer your time and labour or donate to a homeless shelter. Tell them Chrissy sent you."
Her parents, Greg and Barbara are retired schoolteachers and she also leaves behind a twin sister called Caroline.
That heartbreaking yet dignified and generous family statement says it all... "Tell them Chrissy sent you". I shall.
What a beautiful response from the family
ReplyDeleteIn stark contrast to the warped thinking that led to the evil death ride that killed her.
DeleteThat statement needs to be writ large - it is so heartfelt.
ReplyDeleteYes it is. It made me cry.
DeleteSo much good has come out of this tragedy and those in previous months. Ordinary people have rallied together to stand united. Just like we did in the Blitz. Just like we did with the IRA. I believe good will prevail over evil every time.
ReplyDeleteI want to agree with you Addy. I really do.
DeleteThat sent tears. And we have been wondering how, who, what to give, so, to a homeless shelter it will be, in honour of Chrissy. Thank you, Mr Pud, and thank you to Chrissy' s parents, Greg and Barbara.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Rozzie.
DeleteThe strength of spirit; the compassion and the power of love shown by the decent people like Chrissy's heartbroken parents almost makes one feel pity for those evil losers who obviously have nothing worth living for...no one worth living for. They obviously believe they themselves are not worth living...that is where they should stop...and leave the decent people in this world alone.
ReplyDeleteI'm presently watching the One Love Manchester concert. An emotion-filled event...tears flow through smiles...smiles that I'm proud of the goodness...goodness and love that will prevail, no matter what!
I watched the concert live last night. I hope you are right that love and goodness will prevail...till then there will be more terrible events to endure. Will we ever reach a point when we get bored with hearing about terrorist outrages - emotionally battle-hardened?
DeleteI would hate to think I would get "bored"...I would hate to think I accepted the inhumane, callous, pointless acts perpetrated by such wastes of spaces.
DeleteI will never get bored, nor will I accept...but I will continue to be angered by their callous insanity' and I will be saddened that there is such pointless hate and violence inflicted upon the innocent, including harm done to members of our police forces.
On the flip-side -I also will continue to be inspired by the goodness and strength of purpose, the bravery and the love shown by the majority...the decent majority.
Powerful.
ReplyDeleteHer parents and twin sister hit back with love.
DeleteI feel the pain, fear, and anger like everyone else. As Canadian, this act of violence seems even closer, stronger. She was a young lady, a social worker who worked with the homeless in Calgary.She was respected and admired by those she worked with,she'll be missed greatly by all who knew her. Listening to the news, I feel a new fear, Canada is way too close to Trump.
ReplyDeleteThe contrast between Chrissy's innate goodness and the wickedness of her killers is very stark indeed.
DeleteThis is the problem. They are murderess vermin how can any sane person consider loving one.
ReplyDeleteYou hit back with something heavy and lethal. Had it been my son then I would make sure the nearest mosque and all those in it were incinerated. We are at war and no amount of flowers, tea candles and teddy bears will stop these vile excuses for humans.
The only good thing to come out of this atrocity is anger.
Don't be shy Adrian. Say what you mean sir.
DeleteHer family's tribute to her honours the way she lived and will help ensure that although she is no longer in the world, she will still leave her mark on it. It is amazing how families can be so strong and wise at such a terrible time.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Jenny.
DeleteI know Borough market so very well..... My thoughts are with everyone involved x
ReplyDeleteMy daughter works in The Shard and frequently visits Borough Market.
DeleteThis would be a hard death to accept. It is so random and needless. I hope that she will be a symbol for homelessness as Terry fox was for cancer.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I will,as well. Let's not forget this horrific incident in just a couple of days. Let's really remember Chrissy and all the others, forever. I will!
ReplyDeleteThe statement is very touching.
ReplyDeleteI have been a bit out of sync with the main news for some days now, living in my happy little bubble. But it is time to face reality again.
Your previous post with the cattle pictures is excellent! I agree with what someone wrote in their comment, that you could try painting a cow portrait next.