I can't believe what is happening in London. There were three attacks on the Underground and one attack on a double-decker bus, killing at least 37 and wounding hundreds. I know the terrorists have struck elsewhere since New York's September 11 (i.e. Madrid train bombing in 2004), but for some reason the attack on London has hit me with more force than anything since the World Trade Center. In 2000, I was standing in Battery Park, looking across the water at the twin towers...buildings that represented united world commerce. A little over a year later, planes were flown into the towers by Islamic militants, leveling the buildings and killing thousands. The day the world changed forever. A little over two years ago, I was taking in the sights and sounds of London, riding the Underground and snapping pictures of the famous double-deckers. London is one of my favorite cities, and as I read the news article, I couldn't keep from crying. My mind jumped back to the 2 AM firedrill at Thistle Charing Cross. A local man discovered that we were all Americans, and said something to the effect of, "They say we're next, you know? Ours is coming soon." That moment is still crystal clear in my memory. I looked up into the darkness, glanced at the beautiful buildings around me, and shivered in the chilly night air. Yes, it would come to them, too...if only because of its prominence and symbolism as a European leader. I remember a sense of dread creeping over me; no one was safe. At the same time, however, a slight flicker of unity prevailed as I realized that we were all in this together.

This attack comes just as the G8 summit (eight of the world's most powerful leaders) was getting under way, and only a day after joyful London was awarded the 2012 Olympic Games. Please keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers. It's going to be a long road.

I love you all.