MONDAY MUSINGS: JACK AND SASKIA

Hi Guys,

I am sure you may have heard of the stabbings in London Bridge recently. I was curious to put faces on these two unfortunate people who lost their lives in this random terrorist act. What I discovered made me so sad, I had to fight back the tears. They were young, just around my children’s ages, bright, intelligent, well-educated and motivated to make a difference in this world of ours.

Jack Merritt was only 25 and a Graduate from Cambridge University. There was a photo of him beaming from ear to ear when he got his degree. Only a month ago he was in Spain celebrating his birthday with his beloved girlfriend Leanne. Their lives and big dreams all ahead of them. Saskia was only 23, a lovely fresh-faced girl who wanted to work in the criminal justice system. In fact both Jack and Saskia were at a meeting to support the victims of criminal justice. Wrong place. Wrong time! Why, Universe? Why? Their deaths just don’t make sense to me — or anybody else for that matter!

What made these two deaths especially sad was just how they could have been anybody’s child that I know. They were good kids, worked hard, did their best, beloved by friends and parents —and now gone. Their bright lights, like a flickering candle, extinguished forever.

Not just their lives, but their parents’ lives too, their grandparents, their friends, their pets, their cousins, their uncles, aunties, school teachers, work colleagues — everybody who knew them will never forget how one random satanic act can destroy the lives of hundreds.

Rest in Peace Saskia and Jack. In honour of their lives, let each and every one of us reading this today perform some random act of kindness for a stranger or somebody in need. Let’s show the world and ourselves that Peace and Love are stronger than hatred and violence.

May the souls of Saskia and Jack rest in peace for evermore.

Love,

Patricia xo