July 4th to July 10th: Terrorists' Attack in London

It was Thursday morning, 6:30 a.m. when I finally got up. I was still sleepy and not quite ready to set the day in motion, but there I was anyhow, about to plow on with my morning routine. I stretched out my arms to turn off the alarm and in one quick motion- grabbed the remote control and turned on the television. As I slid my legs from under my comforter, one foot planted on the ground, I hear the news...

“Four bombs went off in London's transit system earlier this morning.”

My attention shifts to the television set and I watch as the reporter delivers in detail the list of events, which transpired only a few hours before. Thirty-three suspected dead, more than 700 injured. The first blast killed seven on a train at London’s Liverpool Street station. The time was 8:51 a.m. The second blast occurred five minutes later at another train station, killing 21. A third blast went off at 9:17 a.m., at yet another train station, killing five. And a final blast killed at least five at 9:47 a.m.; this time on a bus. It was the worst attack in London since World War II.

I continue to watch in horror and it soon occurs to me that only 23 hours earlier, I woke up to news that the city of London was picked to host the 2012 Olympics. Were these bombings connected? The possibility of a terrorist attack was a looming thought as I watched the various cities, including New York, campaign for the winning bid.

I grab the phone to call two of my sisters who live in London. After four or five unsuccessful attempts, I concede to the possibility the London phone systems may be on overload, similar to what New Yorkers dealt with after 9/11, so I decide to send an email. After pressing send, I get up from my computer, hop in the shower and proceed with my morning routine. Once ready, I give myself a quick glance in the full-length mirror next to my bed before heading out the door.

As the bus pulls up to where I stand waiting, I think for a second about those who stood as I stand only hours before. Were they aware of the ill-fated ride they were about to take? I breath deeply and let out a sigh then step onto the bus, pay my fare and find a piece a rail to grab before the bus begins to move. After a ten-minute ride, the bus pulls up to my stop and I get off heading towards the train station, my next destination. After shuffling through my bag for a MetroCard and running down a flight of stairs, I reach the platform just as the train approches. I scurry through a crowd of people squeezing my way through the car doors. Spotting a seat from the corner of my eye I rush over and grab it, making it my home for the next 30 minutes or so. While seated I make a mental note to notice as many people around me as possible; the man with a suit and briefcase holding on to the rail; the woman seated next to me reading the paper; another man wearing a t-shirt and shorts …and a book bag? Is this a red flag? What about woman with the oversized purse that obviously doesn't match her outfit? I would rather die than leave the house like that. Should I be worried? As I ride over the Manhattan Bridge, one crazy thought after another, I look out the window, down to the East River and say a silent prayer. Please God, just let me get over the bridge. I look up towards the New York skyline, which I still have not come to accept, and then my mind drifts... and as I stare into the sky, thoughts floating in and out of my head, my eyelids grow heavier and heavier and I doze off.

My eyes open just as the train pulls into Columbus Circle; as if someone tapped my shoulder- knowing I was about to miss my stop. I get off the train and head up the stairs. Walking from the train station to my desk at work, I let the cool morning breeze blow away the worries and anxiety and prepare myself for the rest of the day. As I arrive at my desk, I take a seat, turn on my computer and see an email message waiting; it was from one of my sisters in London.

"We're all o.k., I'll call you when I get home from work."

And with that- I look at the stack of papers on my desk and begin what turns out to be just another day in the NYC.


Also This Week in NYC:

• The life of Luther Vandross is celebrated with two memorials this week, first at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel on Wednesday and then at Riverside Church on Friday.
• Lil' Kim, convicted of perjury, is sentenced to 366 days in prison on Wednesday.
• The New York City premiere of the Fantastic Four is held on Liberty Island this Wednesday.
• DJ Cassidy celebrates his 24th birthday at Butter on Wednesday.
• Digital Planets performs at Irving Plaza on Thursday.
• Usher holds a fundraiser for his New Look Foundation at Capitale on Friday.
• Lamar Odom holds his annual celebrity fundraiser, Lincoln Park Music Jam, to benefit Cathy's Kids Foundation at Lincoln Park on Saturday.
• The 8th Annual Reggae CariFest sponsored by Guiness is held on Randalls Island this Sunday