An extraordinary day. Colonel Gaddafi has finally been hunted down and killed. Of course this is good and one can only hope that Libya can find lasting freedom and democracy. Today this is big news and the Internet is full of gruesome images and video capturing the tyrant's death. I do find it all slightly disturbing but without showing these images, there will be doubt as to whether he has finally gone. For the countless victims, there must be a sense of relief that his reign is now over. The task now is to ensure that no one is able to take his place.Back to home and it is my parent's wedding anniversary today, their 49th no less. It would seem their wedding anniversary can be linked with major world events. So what was the world like exactly 49 years ago...? Around this date in 1962, the world came dangerously close to the brink of a third world war sparked by the Cuban Missile Crisis. I find it very difficult to understand how normal life could have continued at this time. I am fascinated by this period in time. A part of me suspects that people probably rushed to get things done before perhaps the unthinkable happened. What is known of this period is that the threat posed by two superpowers hell bent on nuclear brinkmanship was very real and terrifying. Life couldn't have been normal and there must have been real questions asked as to whether there would be another tomorrow.
Today was also my son's school harvest service. My wife had to work so, as parents could attend, I followed the coach to church and attended the service at Holbeach St Mark's. The church soon filled with school children and parents. The children occupied the front of the church and their classes took turns to turn facing the congregation and and sang songs with a harvest theme. It was great to be in the audience and see my son looking longingly through the throng of proud parents and finally spotting me with a huge grin on his face. It filled me with pride to be there and I'll cherish the moment forever.
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