The news out of Paris is devastating. Scores killed, countless injured. The world is watching and reading with shock as details continue to roll in.

I was fortunate this past July to spend 10 days touring Paris, fulfilling a decades-long goal of visiting the City of Lights. I walked miles of the city's streets, soaking in the history, architecture and culture of a fascinating place. I was in Paris for Bastille Day on July 14 and I will never forget the childlike joy I experienced while watching the fireworks exploding off the Eiffel Tower. While I certainly saw armed law enforcement personnel at a variety of sites during my stay, I never once felt threatened or concerned about my safety. Was I being naïve? Probably. We all know violence can happen at any moment, anywhere on the planet. There is no end in sight.

I have two French friends, one who lives here in Spokane and one who recently moved from here to Canterbury, England with her family. As I have gotten to know these two women, I have learned much about their homeland and I have grown to appreciate the uniqueness that is France.

Like many Americans, I am terribly saddened by today's events. I can't even begin to imagine the horror that Paris is enduring.

 

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