Executive Director John Scibilia on the London Bombings

Thursday morning started like most mornings for me. I clicked on the news to see the latest news and damage reports in the wake of Tropical Storm Cindy as well as the forecast for Hurricane Dennis. The images and reports of the tragic and senseless bombings from London was certainly not what I expected. Moments later there was a knock on my apartment door. My downstairs neighbor was visibly shaken and asked, “John, do you know a way to get from Brooklyn to Manhattan without going on the subway. I’m afraid to go on the subway because of what happened in London.” I couldn’t be of help and told her I was going to be using the subway today unless public officials had other directions or advice. She may have walked over the Bridge, I just don’t know.   

I did take the subway to Union Square and walked to Seafarer’s and International House where a servant group of youth and adults from New York City and Oklahoma City were gathered. For us, London did not seem to be across the pond. London was inside of many of us reminding us of our wounds healed and some still very open resulting from the tragic events in our own cities. There is an unspoken bond. Quickly our brief time together led to a conversation starter to which I have become accustomed, “Where were you on April 19th? Where were you on 9/11?”.   

Family and friends will begin to rebuild their lives in London in the weeks, months and years ahead. Just as they face this daunting experience, families who have not yet finished rebuilding their homes in the Southeast are looking down the throat of Dennis churning toward their communities returning their emotions to the fear and devastation they experienced less than a year ago.   

Our natural human reaction in the wake of these events is to reach out and help in anyway we are able. I’m quite certain there will be many opportunities to make gifts which will be helpful to all those needing relief and assistance in long term recovery. If you consider a gift, I encourage you to do that with an agency or fund committed to long term recovery. LDRNY has learned how important it is to stay involved for the long haul as needs resulting from 9/11 continue to emerge and evolve. Mental health services are continue to be provided to those still wresting with the bombing of the Murrah Building more than 10 years ago.   

Listen to public announcements made by officials so that your actions will be directed by reputable information and not speculation or over reaction. These events are also a time to be reminded to be sure you have at the very least working flashlights and a battery operated radio. You might also want to consider creating a go-bag to have at hand. Ready 2 Go bags are also available from LDRNY.   

Our prayers are with all those who have been affected by the bombings in London and with all those facing the potential damage to be caused by Hurricane Dennis.