A WORLD AWAY BUT IT HURTS
A world away, but it hurts
MY WIFE and I are in shock Our sympathies go out to everyone in Northern Ireland. You have our prayers for change and peace.
It's just another terrifying news story for us. something to read about in the Sunday paper here in Hawaii. The TV images made it more real, but it's still just something that happened to other people.
I wonder how real it is for the bombers who murdered women and children?
Forget why. That's what they did.
It can't be real for them it must be something they have distanced from their hearts and souls. How can they face themselves in the mirror? How can they, speak with friends carry on with their life?"
I think about their conversations about the when and where, those who made the bomb, the driver of the car, the one who placed the misleading phone calls - hoping for more death and injury.
Maybe they will he caught and brought to justice. Maybe they will go forever free from the law. But not free from the guilt they carry now as an eternal burden. Because nothing justifies these murders. And the murderers reading this, know that.
Forgiveness must first go to your own mothers and fathers. How could they have known their love would create the monsters you have become. And forgiveness for you? Yes, you need it too. And you have it from me. I know that hate and retaliation can never bring peace.
So, you have my forgiveness, simple words from an unknown person thousands of miles away. It comes with no strings attached. But I do have one request. Please don't do this again. If you really want peace, be peaceful.
JIM STEELE
Maui.
Hawaii.
MY WIFE and I are in shock Our sympathies go out to everyone in Northern Ireland. You have our prayers for change and peace.
It's just another terrifying news story for us. something to read about in the Sunday paper here in Hawaii. The TV images made it more real, but it's still just something that happened to other people.
I wonder how real it is for the bombers who murdered women and children?
Forget why. That's what they did.
It can't be real for them it must be something they have distanced from their hearts and souls. How can they face themselves in the mirror? How can they, speak with friends carry on with their life?"
I think about their conversations about the when and where, those who made the bomb, the driver of the car, the one who placed the misleading phone calls - hoping for more death and injury.
Maybe they will he caught and brought to justice. Maybe they will go forever free from the law. But not free from the guilt they carry now as an eternal burden. Because nothing justifies these murders. And the murderers reading this, know that.
Forgiveness must first go to your own mothers and fathers. How could they have known their love would create the monsters you have become. And forgiveness for you? Yes, you need it too. And you have it from me. I know that hate and retaliation can never bring peace.
So, you have my forgiveness, simple words from an unknown person thousands of miles away. It comes with no strings attached. But I do have one request. Please don't do this again. If you really want peace, be peaceful.
JIM STEELE
Maui.
Hawaii.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0620
Published Date: 18-Aug-98
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