Sorrowful Reminders

A maze of mostly deserted streets took Alan and me to our destination. Two long fences, one metal and one wooden, blocked the view and held us back. A security guard sat under a white tent. He acknowledged we were at the site marked on our map.
His suggestion took around the large block for a view from the back. Along the way, we pondered the extent of what we planned to see. More barriers separated us from the site. Blocked streets. More guards. Window after window covered by plywood. Offices, apartments, and shops affected.
Tears spilled from my eyes. Ten year old memories surfaced and combined with the scene before me. Words wouldn't come. Heartache and sadness filled me.
Silently we left. Both of us trying to make sense of what we had seen. There were no answers.
Spires of the city's cathedral rose stoically a few blocks away. Our trek took us there. Groups of people quietly stood on the grounds. Clustered in the gardens, piles of red, yellow,purple, and pink flowers formed memorials. Brown leaves and declining blooms showed their age.
Suspended on a line, stuffed animals hung desolately. Instead of being cuddled by young arms, they stared at the flowers below.
One ring of flowers circled a pile of gray rocks. On each stone a red heart honored a heart that had been stilled.
A couple quietly added a bouquet of flowers to the largest mound. They stopped and stared at the ground. We took their place when they left. More tears came. Pictures of smiling, young people lay on the ground. Their lives plucked from the earth like the dying flowers.
Next to us, a mother stood with her three young children. Two elementary age sons listened to her narrative. Suddenly her two year old daughter began crying and crying. As the mother hugged and kissed the little, blond girl, I felt like crying too.
The world for those children had been changed forever like the children in the United States. Innocence and security had been instantly ripped away in a cruel, merciless way.
The Oslo memorials wrung our hearts. We expressed our sadness for their losses to residents of Norway. We understood. Our grief united us.
With the anniversary of America's 9/11 tragedy, our sorrowful reminders combined with the sadness and mourning in Norway. Though we were far from home and not a part of the anniversary remembrances, our experiences in Oslo gave us a memorable tribute to both countries.
Near the church, a letter urged Norwegians to not give up and stay strong. At the end of the letter, four Arabic names were signed. Decent, kind people of all nationalities, cultures, and religions remain in our world and must unite to combat the horrible crimes a few have inflicted on others.

Psalm 107: 28-30 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. (NIV)

Dear Lord,thank you for your comfort. Help us to remember and give comfort to others.Amen