An Ode To Manchester’s Victims
8 years old. That was the age of Saffie Roussos as she took her last breath, on what should have been the happiest day of her life. She was just a little girl at her idols concert and as Ariana Grande sang ‘one last time’ an explosion would go off that would kill her and 21 other concert goers. There were children, parents and bloggers who paid to see their idol perform, hastily sending out tweets that would mark their last minutes on earth. Can you imagine how scared they felt, knowing that they were dying? The woman who died in the homeless man’s arms, crying out for human touch in her last moments. The parents who went to pick up their children and would never come home again. Or the mum who sent out a desperate appeal to find her daughter ‘Olivia Campbell’ only to discover that she had died in the explosions too.
It hit me, as I took the tube to work, as I raced through the train station how hard it must be for the families of the dead and injured. How, if it made me feel as horrible and as sad as I do now it is nothing in comparison to the multitude of emotions they must be facing. While all the deaths hit me hard, it was the death of Saffie Roussos that hit me the hardest. It wasn’t just because she was 8 years old and was killed before her time, but it was the fact that her mother does not even know she is dead that made me weep the most. Her mother is in critical condition and if she wakes up, it will be the hardest day of her life. I might not be a parent but I can imagine the anguish she will feel to open her eyes and know that her daughter will never say mummy again. To know that not only had she lost her daughter but the death was caused by the acts of crazed, selfish terrorists. I always knew that humanity was selfish but to know that people would intentionally harm the lives of innocents disgusts me.
I don’t want to live in a world where we are not only fearful for ourselves but for our innocents too. What did our children, our young people ever do to deserve such a horrible outcome, what did their parents ever do to have their children killed? It is in times like these that we must battle the forces of evil and come together as one. They think that they can pillage our villages and take away our lives but what they don’t know is how we will never be beaten. It’s time to step up and be selfless; think not about ourselves for once but for those hurt or killed in Manchester’s attacks. Put yourselves in their shoes… they hear an explosion and are running for their lives, barely aware of whether they will make it out alive or not. Some make it and some don’t, the grim reaper has come to collect their debt. People light Vigils in the streets, a silence is heard across the country but most of all, a fierce alliance is formed, because we stand with the people of Manchester, no matter what.
They say out of bad, good will be found and I believe they are right. When I read about the homeless man who pulled nails out of teenagers arms, heard about the homeless man who comforted a dying woman in his arms and saw Ariana Grande offer to pay for the funerals of the dead, my faith in humanity was restored. As humans we may be intrinsically selfish, but at heart we are pure and will offer a peaceful hand to those who need it. No matter whether you are poor, halfway across the world or without internet you can give solace to the families of the dead and injured. Whether it is through kind words, fundraising, giving blood or even a smile, I want you to tell them that you love them and will be there for them no matter what.
We spend so much of our lives hating each other, making wars and being spiteful, that we forget why we are on earth in the first place. These young people and their parents were killed because of the act of a cowardly terrorist who thought of nothing but his own selfish ambition. Don’t be selfish, be selfless; be a pillar of strength to those in need, be the arms who envelop them in a warm hug and above all ‘kill evil with kindness’. They want us to be broken and bent into submission but they will never win the war against humanity. Because love conquers all so make love not war. I want to remember the names of those 22 brave innocents who died because they should never be forgotten, no matter how much time has passed. We only have one life to live and they were cut down before their lives had even began. Please join me in giving what little money I do have to support the families of the dead, even something as little as a pound can be a welcome addition to Manchester’s Emergency Fund.
Hug the ones that you love and kiss them goodnight, cherish all the stolen moments and be grateful for all the things you do have. We only have one life so live it to the fullest, because you never know how much time we have left on this earth.
22 names, 22 dead, but 22 voices that will never be silenced. Remember them:
Megan Hurley, 15, Liverpool
Elaine McIver, 43, Cheshire
Courtney Boyle, 19, Gateshead
Philip Tron, 32, Gateshead
Wendy Fawell, 50, Otley, Leeds
Eilidh MacLeod, 14, Isle of Barra
Chloe Rutherford, 17, South Shields
Liam Curry, 19, South Shields
Sorrell Leczkowski, 14, Leeds
Michelle Kiss, 45, Blackburn
Jane Tweddle-Taylor, 51, Blackpool
Nell Jones, 14, Goostrey, Cheshire
Martyn Hett, 29, Stockport
Angelika Klis, 40, Poland
Marcin Klis, 42, Poland
Olivia Campbell, 15, Bury
Alison Howe, 44, Royton
Lisa Lees, 43, Royton
Kelly Brewster, 32, Sheffield
Saffie Rose Roussos, 8, Tarleton, Lancs
Georgina Callander, 18, Whittle-le-Woods, Lancs
John Atkinson, 26, Radcliffe, Manchester
Will You Join Me In Donating Money For Manchester’s Victims?
It’s been such a sad week for a lot of the UK but we won’t let it change us. Thank you for this post, we really should learn to be more tolerant and take each day as it comes
It’s so sad what’s happened in Manchester but this is a lovely and heartfelt post x
Oh God! This is very depressing…There are 2 14 year old children.. So sad…
I woke up in the middle of the night to hear the news! I actually thought it was a dream! I woke to find my dream was in actualy fact a horrrible dreadful reality. My heart goes out to the families all those in Manchetser.
The pain we all felt for these families can not even begin to describe the pain the families are going through. I honestly don’t understand the selfish acts of terrorists never can understand it
So so terrible I have tears in my eyes as I read this I can’t imagine what it must be like for the families who have lost their loved ones .
This is very painful to loose your love one. I wish one day terrorism will be wiped from the world
Beautiful post!
This is such an incredibly beautiful and heartbreaking post. I can’t believe so many people’s lives were cut short in such a desperately violent and unexpected way. It is so unfair. I had not even know that Saffie’s mother was in critical condition. As a mother it makes me so extremely sad and pained to imagine her pain and anguish when she wakes up. To wake up from something like this and then probably wish you hadn’t woken up. That is more pain than should be able to fit in this universe. For a senseless, stupid reason. It is so wrong.
You’re right that there is also beauty, there are always people willing to help. There are always people willing to lift up others. There is always goodness that shines through the darkness, even when the darkness seems vast and almost impenetrable…there are *always* peaks of light that shine through. It can be hard to remember that when you have experienced an abundance of trauma, so I thank you for the reminder.
I have started a biweekly linky for people who blog about trauma, mental illness, mental health etc called “Off-Fridays.” When I came to your blog today, it was to invite you to add the post honoring your aunt, but now after reading this I would love to invite you to add both. The current theme is “celebrations,” and I think both posts are lovely celebrations of humanity and the lives you write about in each. Once the linky closes I keep the post-links up as an archive so people can find all the themed posts and visit each blog as they like; I would be totally honored to have your blog links included in that archive. Of course, I also understand if for whatever reason you would rather not. But I wanted to extend the invitation.
And either way, thank you for this lovely post, and for all your lovely posts!
Tragic terrorist act. Be brave people! Be strong!
This senseless violence should stop once and for all. It scares me to live in such a world.
This attack was so brutal and so heartbreaking. I know these people will be remembered in our hearts for a very long time.
It is so devastating the effect this will have on families and communities, all those poor children and parents. As a mother I cannot begin to imagine their pain and suffering x
It was awful what happened. May the victims rest in peace
Ana I have seen many tributes this week and this is by far my favourite, you always manage to touch me. I live in Manchester which for me makes it even more real. Truly awful x
this made me so sad and so mad at the same time. I felt so pity for the innocent victims here who just went to this concert just to have fun yet the people behind this violence shows no mercy to these people… this is just so depressing
For days I was so upset by all of this, I as a teen used to hang out where all those parents waited for their children. I went to so many concerts there. I knew what all those kids were feeling until that all got taken away from them. Really upsetting. But yes so much humanity still left. I saw a company on facebook giving the victims that were indured bee teddy bears. Which was nice to see. They send out loads of them.
This is absolutely horrible. What an awful thing to happen. My heart breaks.
It is just horrific, I can not imagine what their families are going through. I am terrified of the world I have brought my son into
This such an sad story and my heart goes out to the victims family.
I will definitely donate! Such a horrible, heartless crime! My prayers are going out to their families.
We live in sad and scary times. Thanks for this heartfelt post.
What a lovely tribute post to mark such a sad event 🙁 So many young, innocent lives lost, such a tragic waste 🙁 x
So so sad. My heart goes out to all of those families involved, beautifully written as always Ana x
So sad. I don’t understand why people are so hateful. I realize everyone has their own demons and beliefs, but to slaughter people like this, just tragic.
I cannot believe that this has happened. It saddens me to think about it and I wish it could have been prevented.
Attacks on human life are not okay, and always affect not only those who died and their families, but the world. This is a great post to explain what happened and show tribute to those who died.
This is very heart warming post. What happened in Manchester should never happen anywhere. Appreciating your efforts.
That what happened in Manchester was so heartbreaking. I burst in to tears again while reading your lovely post. I can’t understand what’s going on in those people’s head who plan and do these attacks.
I was so sad when I heard about this. Those poor children 🙁 I can’t even imagine. I don’t want to live my life in fear but at the same time, I will be hesitant letting my kids go to concerts or other big events now.
Terrorist attacks, and wars and all these bad things that happen in the world.. is a fact.. they happen.. the thing is how we react to that.. I feel sorry for all these innocent people and even more sorry for their families, but we need to see this as an opportunity! Instead of all these negative feelings, why not imagine of a happy, peaceful world?
I want to wish to all those families hope, and courage, and to try to see this as an opportunity to change the world!
I cannot begin to imagine how the victims or their parents must be feeling. I hope that good will find a way x
It’s such an awful thing to have happened. It’s a shame that nothing was done sooner considering there had been numerous warnings about this particular man and there were also post son facebook warning Muslims not to go to that and another concert.
Such a sad thing to happen but unfortunately, I doubt it will be the last.
God rest their souls. This was a tragedy. can’t believe anyone would be capable of committing such a crime. Savages.
Such devastating news for many families in Manchester so many innocent lives have been lost.
I feel so sad for these family’s. It is terrible that we now live in a world where this is a reality. I do not know if I will be able to go to a concert again without fear.
It’s definitely heartbreaking and hard to make sense of it all but I like to appreciate the humanity and good that was shown, including those who offered taxi rides and took care of kids before they could get back to their parents and how united everyone has been since the terrifying ordeal.
This is just devastating, and I can’t stop thinking about it. Saffie was from my town, we use her parents fish and chip shop often and her little face is everywhere right now. It’s just such a huge tragedy, I’m not sure any of us will move on from it or forget those 22 tragic victims of such evil. Lovely post though Ana.
This is a heart touching post but a reason to feel sad for all those who lost their lives leaving behind families that won’t find peace, not anytime soon!
It is so tragedic and it broke my hurt. As a society, we are not able to enjoy the simplest thing without violence.
Awwwwwwww man! ana this gripped me from the first sentence. ifever you write a book i’m going to be first in line to buy it because your writing voice is so powerful and moving.
I’m so saddened by this event & I’ve read through each name properly remembering them.
It was awful what happened. May the victims rest in peace
I still can’t put into words how I feel about this. I have donated, I just hope our security services have learnt something from this.
This is such a lovely, heartfelt post. This attack really seems to have hit us all hard doesnt it. I’ve cried several times over it, I think because it’s knowing he targeted the children.
I’ve donated to the fund and I’m going to (try) get tickets for the concert too.
It was such a terrible tragedy and it was so nice of you to dedicate a blog post to them. It is so sad to hear about it and I felt so bad when I woke up. So nice you added each name to be remembered. What a thoughtful blog post.
May their souls rest in perfect peace. It has been so sad over here in Cheshire. I still think I would wake up and all these would be a bad dream.
It makes me sad everytime I think of this. My kids go to concerts all the time and I have never worried about their safety – now I will 🙁
I live in central manchester and it has hit everyone pretty hard. But, it’s also show. What a huge family is mancs are.
I couldn’t believe what I read when I woke up last Tuesday morning. Very sad indeed!
It’s beyond sad to hear such news. I was heartbroken for the families. Things like that make me want to keep my kid locked up in the house but that’s not going to fix things is it?
This is really heartbreaking, Our prayers are with their Families
Such a senseless, horrific tragedy, my heart goes out to all of the families.
I still can’t get my head around this happening but it has been so lovely to see not just the city but the country coming together x
I feel lost for what to do or how to help when these kinds of senseless acts happen, but I’m thankful it’s a little easier these days to find out how to give support and donate.
That one made me cry when reading the details on the news. Such a sad day for everyone, everywhere.
This made me weep, Ana. I cannot believe the hardship and the heartbreak. I cannot believe that people would do this to kids, nonetheless. We think of our problems like they’re the biggest in the world that we forget about incidents like this that would mean loss, for many things and for many people. I can only pray for them, it feels like we’re so helpless sometimes.
The world has been suffering too much these days. I wonder if we can ever catch a break. It’s heartbreaking that these kids had to lose their lives and the parents who were there too. It’s never easy to have to hear something like this in the news, it’s always going to be too much to bear and too much to handle even if you’re miles away from what happened. My heart goes out to everyone, we have lost a lot during that night.
I was also shocked during that time when I learned about what had happened. It’s really saddening that fans waited for so long about the event and this is what would happen. Will share some and also spread the word so they can donate as well.
What happened was so, so awful – I still can’t quite believe that it has happened.
Such a very sad and shocking tragedy. I didn’t know this and thank you for sharing.
The pain those families is going through is unimaginable. To target children is inhuman. There is so much good in the world: we need to focus on that to overcome the evil in our midst, rise up together to show unity despite our diversity.
What a beautiful post. It’s sad that things like this has happened!
Such a tragedy perpetrated by cowards. This is a beautiful tribute to those young lives lost.
I’m still in shock that this even happened. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims and their families.
Little Saffie just broke my heart. She was so cute.
This is awesome. I mean it’s horrible but it’s such an incredibly moving tribute to those who have lost their lives. We should definitely love the one’s around us. We need to love them and show them how much they mean to us because we never know when this moment will be our last moment with them.
Really depressing , It’s been such a sad week for a lot of the UK 🙁
No-one should go to a concert and have this happen to them. The reaction from Manchester and everywhere else has been amazing though!
Remembering the victims in this way is so important, and I think this is an important cause to support. My son lives in Manchester, and it was tough having home so far away from home when this happened
This whole situation is just heart breaking!!!! Especially if you sit down and think, Ariana has a very young following. Why target young ones :-/
So so sad. There are no words. We live in a world of hate. It is really sad.
I get so angry at these acts of cowardice! Thank you for lifting up the victims, it’s so heartbreaking.
Such a lovely post, I’m from Manchester and we know people who went to the concert it’s been a very strange week and I write a post myself but it was really hard to find the right words
What happened in Manchester is utterly devastating, I still can’t believe it happened. It’s so important to remember the victims and come together with support and love! xo
I remember that gut-wrenching feeling after the Nice and Paris attack. A lot of my friends were not responding and I couldn’t get hold of so many loved ones – I can’t even imagine what life’s like for the families now… My thoughts are definitely with them and all the people who witnessed such horrors, everywhere in the world.
So sad and devastating. My heart goes to the families of the victims.
The world sympathizes with London and especially the families who lost loved ones. Hatred and killing is never right, no matter what one’s motivators are.
XO, MJ
http://www.lush-fab-glam.com
I have no words, don’t remember a tragedy which would touch me on so many levels like the one in Manchester did. It’s a brutal reminder to cherish each moment and appreciate those around you as facing such horrific events all the small things aren’t important anymore. “Love will tear us apart but hate never will” Xx