Liberty, Equality and Fraternity

This week-end brought a great deal of heartache. The events in Paris hit home. I know that these atrocities have been virtually ignored elsewhere in the world recently, but I do understand the personal pain many of us felt at the hysteria in France. For me, it was a stark reminder of 9/11. I flew to Paris just weeks after and found myself among such caring and concern when I arrived. I have travelled there many times during my career and well before, but the support of the French people reminded me of the patriotism that was flooding our borders at home. France holds a special place in my heart. I studied French from the time I was 8 years old, never wavering in my goal to be an interpreter one day. My path deviated into merchandising but Paris remained an anchor. From this culture of creativity, I learned a different form of communication, the art of beauty. Every land has a gift to give. Those who destroy drain us of the best in humanity.